By Amber Fields

One will hear the stern warning, “Get back!” but also get a forceful blow if trying to mess with the women who have participated in the S.T.A.R.R. program at UK.

The Self Defense Tactics and Risk Reduction program arms women of all ages with strategies they need in order to escape encounters that could threaten their lives.

“We realize that is important, as citizens, to take steps to decrease our risk of being victimized,” Sgt. Brad Kinckiner, one of the certified instructors, said.

“With the S.T.A.R.R. Program, our goal is simple — we aim to empower participants with the knowledge of how to defend against large and stronger attackers.”

UK Police provides free self defense courses focusing on an array of safety tactics to keep women from becoming victimized.

The program is set up with four classes, each focusing on different aspects of dangers that women should be prepared for.

The first class informs students about safety tips regarding daily activities such as campus, home and vehicle safety along with learning how to safely participate in the college party scene.

In the second class, women experience hands-on activities as they learn the techniques of punches, kicks and elbow strikes.

During the third class, the participants will focus on learning how to escape “bear hugs,” choke holds and pins to the ground by an attacker.

The last class is when all the self defense tactics learned will be tested as they face the “Redman,” where they must use those tactics to escape the instructor armed in padded who portrays an attacker.

Brittany Flanery, an education freshman, said she decided to keep from becoming a victim when crimes started to occur on campus. She looked around for a self defense course, and that is when she found the S.T.A.R.R. program.

“It’s a really good thing since I am not an aggressive person,” she said. “It’s a really good opportunity and I encourage everyone to check it out.”