Columbus, Ohio - Women in central Ohio are learning how to fight back by kicking, punching, and training to protect themselves.
The service industry dedicated a self-defense class to Ohio State University senior Reagan Tokes Thursday night that gave women confidence and awareness.
Last February, Tokes left her bartending job in the Short North to head home, when she was abducted, raped and murdered.
The service industry sponsored the class to offer workers like Tokes more practice to defend themselves.
Training moves like the ones taught Thursday night could help save lives. That's why dozens of women learned how to fight back.
"I want everyone to feel safe. So if that means just having more confidence in yourself and making you appear stronger, that already will make you less of a target," instructor Carly Hensley said.
In the Brewery District, about 40 women practiced self defense in the name of Reagan Tokes.
"I heard what happened to the young lady and of course that was very heart wrenching. That could have been me, that could have been my daughter, my granddaughter, neighbor, anyone," Envoinae Jashaun said.
What happened to Tokes triggered action. The Ohio Restaurant Association got behind an idea that could help protect the Columbus community.
"What can we do to raise awareness of this issue with young people leaving restaurants, often times late at night, who aren't protected and perhaps ready for a situation," President John Barker said.
With the right technique and practice, most of the women who attended the self-defense class said they would leave with confidence to fight off an attacker.
A statement from Reagan Tokes' mother was read before the class started. She thanked the community for holding the event, and the women who attended.