HUPD Plans Rape Defense Seminars

The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) is offering undergraduate females an opportunity to learn self-defense techniques during the month of February.

The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) class will begin Feb. 1, and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., in the Straus Common Room for two weeks.

HUPD's RAD Officer Theresa Smith will lead the classes, which teach women simple techniques in self-defense.

The basics are covered in the opening night, Smith wrote in an e-mail message.

"The second and third nights we will learn all the techniques of basic physical defense--blocks, strikes, kicks, and even a few surprise techniques too," Smith said.

On the final night, Feb. 10, students will be placed in a simulated "attack" situation, where they can practice what they have learned on volunteer "attackers."

Anyone interested in the class is asked to contact Smith at theresa_smith@harvard.edu or call 495-1795, ext. 2.