BUPD holds free RAD self-defense classes throughout the academic school year for students, faculty and staff to teach them how to respond to physical aggression. With BU’s Charles River and Medical Campuses extending into Fenway, Kenmore, Allston and South End neighborhoods, self-defense is one strategy for students to protect themselves on an urban campus.

The number of yearly reported rape cases on Boston University’s campus nearly tripled over the past three years — from five in 2014 to nine in 2015 to 13 in 2016. Despite this rise, experts say...