By Carly Shaia

Special to The Farmville Herald

For some, walking alone at night may not seem intimidating. However, for others, especially women, it can be a daunting task filled with anxiety.

On Monday, Stubbs Hall became more than a dormitory. It became a meeting place where young women learned how they could one day save their lives in a life-or-death situation.

Alex Joynes, sisterhood chair for Kappa Delta, decided to have a self-defense class for her sorority.

“I’ve learned a bunch of different stuff …,” said Joynes. “While I hope no one gets in that situation, It’s good to know (how to defend oneself).”

Michael Gordon, a patrol sergeant with Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Stewart Godsey, a patrol corporal for the Farmville Police Department and David Ragland, a patrol sergeant for the Farmville Police Department, volunteered their time to teach the young women how to properly defend themselves in multiple situations.

“I know — I have three daughters,” said Gordon, and empathized with the women as they explained their worries when walking alone at night. The key to learning self-defense is that one should never stop learning, he said.

“It’s important to have more tools in your toolbox than you need,” said Gordon.

There were multiple skills the women left with from their lesson. One skill Gordon particularly stressed was that a person could use a pen, or a small pocketknife, as a way to strike, as opposed to using mace or a gun. Carrying a pen can be easy to remember, less intimidating, and can be “equally effective” at hitting an offender’s pressure points, he said.

Godsey’s main point to the women was to travel smart and party smart.

“Strength in numbers, know where you are, think about the time of day, always have a (designated driver) and let someone know where you are,” said Godsey.

Ragland said that any officer would be willing to pick up anyone “feeling unsafe,” no matter the situation.

“If you don’t feel safe you call us, we will take you home,” said Ragland. “Even if you are drunk, we will not lock you up.”

The officers encouraged others to participate in the self-defense classes other than college students. Social workers, hospital employees and frequent travellers are encouraged to take these self-defense classes.