UTPD partners with Panhellenic Council to promote self defense
The Rape Aggression Defense program teaches women how to respond calmly and effectively in dangerous situations.
The University of Tennessee aims to empower and educate women in the age of #MeToo. From April 2 to April 6, the University of Tennessee Police Department and Panhellenic Council invited the female campus community to attend a self-defense class at the Sorority Village Center.
The event taught individuals easy ways to protect themselves around campus or in cases of imminent danger. Each 30-minute session allowed for practice and increased confidence.
Stephanie Cornejo, a UT student and member of the Panhellenic community, said she came to learn the basics.
“Women are the main targets on college campuses,” Cornejo said. “I wanted to know these defense moves because I often walk back to my car from the library, and it’s dark, and you never know what you could be faced with.”
Two officers accompanied by a police dog instructed students to partner in groups of two. Partners practiced moves useful in different situations.
Freshman student Abigail Baker believes all women should take a self defense class.
“[Women] shouldn’t have to depend on someone else to save them” Baker said. “You are important, so you need to know how to protect yourself.”
UTPD also encourages all women to attend the Rape Aggression Defense program to learn more about protection in harmful situations. UTPD holds classes free of charge. The program does not require women to be students, faculty or staff to participate.
Featured Image: Wikimedia Commons
