Learn something now
Check out these articles to learn how to boost your safety and confidence, assert yourself, and make informed decisions for your well-being.
You’ll find better ways to protect yourself; some of the tips you’ve probably been given — like yelling “Fire!” or threading your keys between your fingers — are actually problematic.
You’ll also learn more about Defend Yourself’s approach — Empowerment Self-Defense — and about what works to stop harassment, abuse, and assault.
Helplines
If you’re looking for support, check out our Helpline page, where you’ll find services available nationwide and in the DC area.
Difficult Conversations: The Empowered Person’s Guide to Holiday Survival
This month and next, many of us have to (or choose to) sit and break bread with someone who disrespects us – or with whom we strongly disagree. Some of us even are sitting with someone who has abused us. Below...
Frequently Asked Questions About Empowerment Self-Defense.
When you first heard about empowerment self-defense (ESD), you probably thought it was like most self-defense classes — throwing punches, learning some fancy kicks or throws, and calling it a day. But ESD is on a another level.
It’s not just about physical moves; it’s about real-life skills you can use every day to protect and advocate for yourself, set boundaries, and feel safer, no matter where you are.
Empowerment Self-Defense: Claiming Your Power With Physical, Verbal, and Emotional Skills
The amount of time, energy, focus, and money that we spend worrying about gender-based violence is absurd and enraging. Just imagine how much better our lives — and the world — would be if we each had that brain space free (and a calmer nervous system)! Please join me in changing lives — yes, and the world — one person, one group, one community at a time.
Have you ever had to use it?
The #1 question I get asked about self-defense
My journey to assertiveness
How I found my voice
5 tools for safety
Simple skills for preventing and interrupting violations
5 Self-Defense Techniques You Didn’t Know You Could Use
In case you missed it, we talked with Tagg Magazine about a few...
If you want to know about Defend Yourself’s approach, including the research showing its effectiveness, check out the Empowerment Self-Defense Alliance.