The University of Illinois is one of over 100 universities participating in the fastest growing self-defense course in the country.

The Rape Aggression Defense program, or RAD, is a comprehensive course that teaches women defensive techniques against various types of assault.

Crime Prevention Coordinator for the university police, Tony Ortiz, says only 10 percent of self defense is physical.

“The 90 percent really comes down to risk reduction strategies. You lower your risk by becoming very knowledgeable as far as the things that put you at risk.”

Ortiz says simple things such as knowing where crimes happen in your community can help to prevent attacks.

“At the University of Illinois we keep a crime map, basically show you on the map where most of the sexual assaults happen on the campus area. That information is very important to know.”

RAD teaches women many different self defense options, while emphasizing the importance of being aware of your surroundings.

If you want more information on the course visit the University Police website.