A RAD Q+A with Jacquelyn Mesenbrink, DrPH
Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training is a form of self-defense training that has been offered for free to students, faculty and staff at Georgia Southern University for nearly 10 years. We sat down with Jacquelyn Mesenbrink, DrPH, assistant professor in the department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology and RAD trainer and coordinator at Georgia Southern, to discuss what RAD training participants can expect.
Q: Why did you decide to get involved with RAD?
A: I first got involved by taking the RAD class and I really liked it. By the end of the class, I felt so empowered. It’s an incredible experience to make it through the training and especially the simulation. It made me want to get more involved with the program, so I went through the additional training to become a RAD trainer and am currently going through even more training to become simulation certified.
Q: Why is RAD training important?
A: RAD training is important for many reasons, but especially on a prevention level. Having these tactics in your tool kit, in hopes that you’ll never have to use them, gives you the confidence that you know what to do if something does happen. We teach useful skills, but also remind participants that there may be situations where their safest option is not to use them. Having that knowledge and having these skills can be really valuable in a fight-or-flight situation where you might otherwise freeze or panic without them.
Q: What can participants expect when they attend a RAD training session?
A: When you come into RAD training we will start with some paperwork. We want to make sure that if anyone has any questions, injuries, disabilities or other concerns that the trainers are aware and we can adjust to provide the best instruction for each individual. We also ensure that every participant knows they can opt to watch during certain parts of training if they are uncomfortable or unable to perform the skills for any reason. We then go through a bit of an orientation session to explain to everyone what the RAD program is and our goals for the training. After that, it is straight into physical activity and practicing our RAD skills. The final step of the program is a simulation that is completely optional for participants.
Q: What is simulation?
A: Simulation safely puts participants in real-world scenarios in order to practice what they’ve learned. Each scenario is increasingly difficult and works different skills that they have learned throughout the program. We encourage participants to go through simulation because it is a chance to really put their skills to the test and when you overcome the obstacles it can be extremely empowering. We also encourage our participants who don’t want to do the simulation to be there to cheer on their classmates as they go through the process. Having the support of your class can help encourage you through the different scenarios.
Q: Why is the training so long?
A: The format of RAD sets participants up to really connect with the skills we are teaching. The course consists of demonstration, explanation and repetition to develop muscle memory. The dynamic style of training means you are practicing the moves first on your own, then with a partner and finally, if you choose to, in simulation. This helps you put the skills into your long-term memory. The course is scheduled for the length of time required to ensure you are able to fully learn each move.
Q: What if I have any injury or disability? Can I still participate?
A: Yes! We do an assessment for any injuries prior to starting the class. If you have an injury or disability that does not allow you to participate in certain skills, we absolutely allow anyone who is not comfortable doing or unable to do an activity to watch. We want every participant to feel comfortable in what they're doing and in having a choice in what they’re doing.
Q: What should participants wear to RAD training sessions?
A: Participants should wear clothing that they are comfortable working out in for every session. We recommend wearing clothing that will cover your legs to protect your skin during certain skills. We also recommend closed-toed shoes and possibly something to layer like a light cardigan or similar clothing in case you get too cold or warm. We do not recommend jeans or sandals.
Q: When is the next RAD training?
A: Training is typically scheduled once per semester and the next RAD training will be held in March. We won’t be doing a simulation session this time around, but participants who complete the course will have a signed manual that gives them a lifetime guarantee. That guarantee means that they can bring their manual to any RAD training nationwide and participate in any part of the training again. So if a participant wants to come back for simulation during another semester or somewhere else entirely, they can do that.
Statesboro: Tuesday, March 7, 6-9 p.m. and Wednesday, March 8, 5-9 p.m.
Savannah: Saturday, March 4, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Registration is required. You can register for RAD training through this link.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in RAD Training sessions?
A: While the national RAD program does include programming for everyone, currently we host on-campus training programs that are open to female-identifying faculty, staff and students.
Q: If there is one thing you want participants to take away from this training, what would it be?
A: Empowerment. We want people to feel empowered in themselves and in their abilities. A lot of people walk into our classes thinking that they can’t do it because they never have before or because it’s intimidating. We are asking you to yell and hit and use force and it can be scary at first, but once you do it instills confidence in yourself that you can do it and that you have the skills necessary to do it.
RAD training is provided through Georgia Southern’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), the Counseling Center, Public Safety, the department of Health Science and Kinesiology, and Student Wellness and Health Promotion.
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