It is dark and around midnight. The only source of light includes the dim streetlamp that is casting a ghostly stream of translucent white down the brick asphalt.

There is a slight breeze in the air that makes one shiver as they walk down the path. The multi-colored leaves crunch under their feet as their high heels click-clack against the ground. The moon is full as though werewolves were going to begin howling any minute.

Taking a walk in Central Park to clear their mind, the steel chain of the nearby neighbor’s tire swing begins to rattle almost eerily as the breeze begins to pick up. The woman starts walking faster now, as it is getting late. She can see the big, cast-iron gate is near. Suddenly, she notices a dark figure.

Before she could even begin to comprehend what was happening, the mysterious shadow began to rapidly sprint towards her.

Ultimately, self-defense can save one’s life, specifically for women attributing this valuable skill. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), “One in six women in America will be a victim of sexual assault.” Knowing how to correctly use self-defense to one’s own personal advantage provides a sense of empowerment, security, discipline, physical and mental strength, and confidence for women.

One of Ashland University’s sororities on campus wanted to demonstrate how important it was that women take this seriously. Alpha-Phi sorority member, junior Chelsea Teal, had the privilege of having her father, Todd Teal, come in and teach the sisterhood self-defense. Todd is a black belt in karate and covered the basic fundamentals of how to avoid dangerous or life-threatening situations during an hour and a half session with the women.

He discussed certain tactics such as how to escape a wrist lock, being forcefully grabbed by the back of the hair and needing to think fast, and what weapons or objects one could use to protect themselves, among a few other tips and tricks.

Junior Alpha Phi sorority member Kasey Petrecca has never had to use self-defense, although a few women in the sorority have had to in order to keep themselves safe from harm. She acknowledged how critical it is for one to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

“Especially for women, it [is important] to be able to stand up for yourself than to have a man by your side at all times to protect you,” said Petrecca. “I think it is beneficial for you to know how to protect yourself.”

Lieutenant Tim Shreffler from the Ashland Police Department explained that even though there aren’t self-defense classes available at the station, one should always keep their personal safety in mind and to use their best judgment.

“I think that everybody should be aware of their surroundings and it is safer for a person to be [alert] and to be able to protect themselves,” Shreffler said. “I am sure that it gives [a person] confidence if they have the knowledge to be able to help themselves if they would need it.”

Junior Alpha Phi sorority member Alexandra Bingham shared how her mother was also involved in Greek life and had a very traumatic and defining experience throughout her time in her sorority.

“One of her sisters worked alone at a convenient store at night and was actually raped and killed while they were in college together,” Bingham shared. “So, that always really stood out to me because my mom had to go to a funeral for one of her sorority sisters- which I could not even fathom having to do that.”

Cindy Kyser, the Family Advocate for the Rape Crisis Domestic Violence Safe Haven located in Ashland, OH, noted that a majority of individuals that come in are women. She acknowledged how the average length of one’s stay depends on their current situation and the availability of rooms available in the shelter.

“I think that self-defense is a good tool for the women to have [and] to use; whether they are inside or outside of the shelter,” said Kyser. “I have seen a [positive] change in most of the ladies; they have more confidence in themselves and they feel as though they can go on with their lives and not live in fear.”

Additionally, the safe haven offers self-defense classes free of charge for anyone who is interested. Kyser explained that a majority of women who come to the safe haven have experienced physical or mental abuse.

Bingham noted that Greek life has given the women more than they could ever hope for and goes beyond just having fun. Everything is a learning experience.

“We try to put on a variety of different things,” said Bingham. “We have programs that are light-hearted, but at the same time, we want our girls to get something out of the sisterhood for the benefit of their health and their well-being.”