Office for Human Resources Project Manager Deanna M. Dement-Myers, 37, says she enrolled in the April class because she felt it was important to be prepared for any situation.

“You’re never too old or never too ugly,” she says. “There’s no stereotype of person to be attacked in any stage in life. I have daughters, and I would do anything to protect them. It’s so empowering to think if you ever did get attacked, this might be a deterrent.”

RAD classes originated eight years ago when an HUPD officer saw an advertisement from the program’s sponsor through the National Crime Information Center. He thought the class would be an asset to all Harvard women—regardless of age or ability.

“He made it so a 70-year-old grandma could take it,” Metivier says.

Cooper adds that the program began without much approval from the University, but when supportive letters started flooding HUPD Chief Francis D. “Bud” Riley’s office, administrators’ heads turned.

“It started slow without support,” he says. “But they got it going and it took off in a year or two. After that, Harvard made a huge commitment. Dean [of Freshmen Elizabeth Studley] Nathans even came to a few classes.”

Let’s Get Ready To Rumble

Over four nights, RAD classes teach about common circumstances of sexual assault, practical tips on how to avoid conflict and verbal tactics to deter an attacker.

Then they get physical.

After teaching the class how to throw and block punches against large foam pads, RAD instructors introduce simulations in which an instructor acts as an attacker.

“It’s about how to use personal weapons to fend off attacks,” Cooper says. “We know we can’t create the fear of a real life situation. We suggest they try to imagine this is real. It’s nowhere near the tension if you’re fighting for your life. You fight differently under fear.”

By the end of the course, participants find themselves fighting from start to finish. In a final scenario, students fend off a surprise attack from one of the instructors—from behind, thrown to the ground or otherwise.

Some students say they are surprised by their own strength.

“We film fighting and they get to watch their scenarios,” Cooper says. “They never believe what they did.”

Consulting Analyst for Information Management Services in Human Resources Kirsten J. Carter took the class when she was eight months pregnant.