Specifically, the presence of men in the course, regardless of their degree of support or empathy for rape survivors, would stifle the open exchange of personal views and self disclosure that is central to the course's mission. Further, having men participate in the physical defense aspect of the course with women, some of whom may have been rape or sexual assault victims, will be intimidating to say the least. Overall, male participation in the course will dissuade women from registering for the course, create a significantly uncomfortable dynamic in the training sessions, impede frank and open discussion of sensitive and private topics, and inhibit the overall participation of women enrollees. Clearly, when women are brought together through the R.A.D. course to discuss and examine issues like rape, sexual assault and efforts and strategies to defend against such, substantial privacy issues exist. The first class includes an overview of the course and covers risk reduction strategies and personal safety tips.
Discussion is encouraged and the style is more interactive than lecture.
The class is approximately 3 hours in length. In the second and third classes, each of which are three hours, the students learn the physical tactics to defend against attack and to escape and survive a sexual assault. The last session, is the simulation. Students have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the previous classes. One or more instructors will suit up in protective gear and the students will participate in several scenarios.