Worcester State University is equipping students with the tools to stay safe on campus by offering a number of programs for self-defense and sexual violence awareness this spring.
Offerings include the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program, workshops by Worcester State’s Sexual Assault and Violence Education (SAVE) program, and a 5K race to support the One Love Foundation, an organization that empowers young people with the knowledge to identify and avoid abusive relationships.
The RAD program is a comprehensive course that teaches practical self-defense techniques and heightens situational awareness–all while building confidence and empowerment.
The four-night, 12-hour program runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday evenings beginning April 2 and covers everything from verbal de-escalation to physical defense maneuvers. Instructors will be Capt. Don Brickman of the Worcester State University Police Department and Susan Vigeant ’23, staff associate in the Department of University Advancement, both of whom are licensed instructors specially trained in RAD procedures.
Participants often start timidly but transform dramatically by the final session, where they put their newfound skills to the test in realistic simulations. “You see this amazing change in the students,” said Vigeant. “That first simulation, they’re nervous. But by the third one, they’re ready to go–empowered and ready to protect themselves.”
“We’re here to have fun and get a little exercise, but most importantly, give you real-world skills you can take with you,” Brickman said. While the course is geared to female students, the instructors emphasize that it is open to anyone in the campus community and suitable for people of all ages and abilities, and that simple techniques like using one’s voice can be just as effective as physical strikes. Students practice using a strong voice and yelling “No,” which can be a powerful deterrent, Vigeant said.
“The first time we do the yelling, people panic a bit,” she said. “But by the second class, they’re really getting into it, yelling ‘No!’ from the gut. It’s empowering to find your voice like that.”
RAD can provide a vital resource for empowering women to take an active role in their own safety, Brickman said. “We never force anyone to do something they’re not comfortable with,” he said. “The goal is to provide the knowledge and tools, and then you decide what works best for you.”
To register for the course, contact Brickman at dbrickman@worcester.edu.
Other offerings aimed at boosting campus safety this spring are being coordinated by the SAVE Committee. They include:
SAVE (Sexual Assault and Violence Education) Peer Leader Program: Students interested in becoming SAVE Peer Leaders are invited to SAVE training starting March 28. Trainings will be on Fridays from 12:30 1:45 p.m. for five weeks and are co-facilitated by Pathways for Change. Email svalois@worcester.edu to attend.
SAVE Resource Tabling: Students are invited to stop by to get resources and enter to win prizes on Tuesdays through April 15 from 10 a.m. to noon outside Sheehan Dining Hall and on Thursdays March 27 & April 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. in Sullivan T.
One Love 5K Run or Walk: Sponsored by Worcester State women’s lacrosse, the 5K event will happen April 12 at 11 a.m., followed by the Lacrosse One Love Awareness Game at 4 p.m. versus Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
The One Love Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to end relationship and domestic violence by empowering individuals to become educated on the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships for themselves and their loved ones. Runners and walkers of all ages are encouraged to participate in the 5K.
Prizes will be awarded to the first overall male and female finisher. A cash-only 50/50 raffle will be available during bib pick-up and announced during the awards ceremony following the race. All proceeds and donations from this 5K will go to the One Love Foundation.
The entry fee for the 5K is $25, and a shirt and officially timed race bib will be provided by the Central Mass Striders. Click here to register.
Sexual Violence Awareness Events: Stand with survivors on April 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Blue Lounge and April 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Lancer’s Loft. These events will include appetizers, activities, giveaways, and prizes, including tie-dyed T-shirts, pencil cases, and tote bags. The guest speaker will be Josette Huang, Miss Worcester County. Follow @wsusave for details.
Photo: Don Brickman and Susan Vigeant demonstrate a self-defense move. Photo by Colin Joyal
Beyond the Classroom
Unlocking the Diverse Voices of Latine Poetry in America
In an insightful presentation at the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, Mass., recently, Associate Professor of Latin American and Latinx Literature Naida Saavedra of Worcester State shed light on . . .