By Rose Thomas

In response to last year’s student demand for rape crisis counseling and prevention, the Department of Public Safety is offering a new Rape Aggression Self-Defense System in an effort to make students feel safer on campus.

Many female students have responded positively to this program.

“Just having the option of taking the class makes me feel safer,” said Stacey Chandler, a freshman journalism major.

Held at the newly opened Squash Busters facility, the Rape Aggression Self-Defense System, or R.A.D., is composed of a series of three, four-hour classes designed to give women hands-on training to defend themselves against attackers and avoid being raped. The final class of the series is simulation training, a time when students can use full force to deter attackers.

The classes will be led by Public Safety officers of the NUPD. A $10 fee is asked to cover the cost of supplies. The current class is filled to capacity with 12 students.

“If we had the use of a larger facility we would be able to accommodate a larger class, but for now we need to keep the classes small,” said NUPD Sergeant Romprey .

The first class was held on Thursday, Oct. 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Squashbusters. The next two classes will be held at the same time on Oct. 9 and 16. Classes are open to all women 18 and older affiliated with Northeastern.

“I was thinking about taking the class, it seems like a good idea to know how to kick an attacker’s butt,” said Angela Verardo, a freshman biology major.

For those who missed out on this session of classes, more will be held in November. For more information contact Public Safety at 617-373-2696.