“Violent crimes are crimes of opportunity. When you remove the element of opportunity, you reduce the risk of attack,” Bryan Rodriguez, a crime prevention specialist and instructor of the Self-Defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange (SAFE) program stated repeatedly.
A two-hour self-defense program hosted by the University of Miami Police Department (UMPD), it aims to impede that opportunity by providing women with physical defense techniques, risk awareness, and personal safety tactics. SAFE is a certified National Self-Defense Institute program specifically for women, Rodriguez noted. Self-defense training for male participants requires a separate certification for instructors.
“Ninety percent of self-defense is mental preparedness, the other 10 percent is physical,” said Rodriguez. “When something shocking happens, people tend to freeze. I want to get people’s mindset out of that. If the moment ever comes, I want you to be ready to protect yourself.”
During the two-hour, hands-on self-defense class, the crime prevention specialist provides attendees with practical tips for creating situational awareness and addressing safety in any situation. Suggestions include waiting for drivers to state your name to avoid divulging personal information when using ride-share apps, sharing your location with family and friends, and even using everyday objects as weapons, if necessary.
The sessions also equip participants with resources, on and off-campus, to stay safe. Tools like the UGuardian app, a free smartphone safety app that students and faculty and staff members can download on iOS or Android devices, allows users to pre-register emergency information and utilize a virtual trip safety escort. It also includes a one-touch call button to UMPD.
In addition to situational awareness, Rodriguez readies participants with basic self-defense maneuvers to utilize if a situation turns violent. Techniques include the palm strike, groin strike, bear hug, and yelling. Rodriguez explained that the physical aspect of self-defense is most effective through repetitive training—much like a muscle.
“I always recommend that women take this class at least once a year, or once a semester if they can,” he said. “If you don’t practice these tactics, it becomes very easy for people to forget them.”
Alexandra Gordon-Smith, a junior studying English, sought out a SAFE class after feeling vulnerable during her commute to campus. Instead of relying on her friends to accompany her to feel secure, Gordon-Smith wanted to take matters into her own hands.
“I feel like street harassment can be a problem in Miami, especially on public transport or walking home alone at night,” she said. “It’s just empowering to know now that I can take care of myself.”
Through these courses and consistent community outreach, Rodriguez said that he hopes to prevent violence in our communities through inclusive training programs, focusing primarily on awareness and prevention education on realistic options to avoid, escape, and survive assaults. Most importantly, he hopes the program can instill confidence in participants.
“I want everyone to leave our classes confident and strong,” Rodriguez stressed. “I want them to know and feel like if they were ever to find themselves in a violent situation, they would know how to react to survive.”
Allison Nichols, director of design and construction for the University, attended a SAFE course after experiencing an altercation. While she managed to successfully defend herself, Nichols wanted to develop her self-defense skills and situational awareness if she ever experiences another problem.
“I want to become more alert,” Nichols said. “It’s a great opportunity to engage and learn more about our surroundings and the importance of learning how to be safe.”
The SAFE classes are offered periodically throughout the year on the Coral Gables Campus. The course is free and open to students and faculty and staff members. In April, UMPD plans to host a SAFE class with the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education and the Title IX Office to discuss and address comprehensive prevention, intervention, and safety education.
Here are the upcoming SAFE sessions:
Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 6 p.m.
Get more information on campus safety resources and SAFE class registration.
