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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.

Have you ever had to use it?
Here's what Lauren Taylor, director of Defend Yourself, has to say: When people find out about my work, one of their most common responses is a question: Have you ever had to use it? My answer: Every day....
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...
Should I yell FIRE!?!?
It’s actually not a good idea. Here are some better ones.
Backwards and in high heels: What 1947 self-defense has to teach us
What 1947 self-defense has to teach us
Where are your keys?
Now is not the time to imitate Wolverine.

If you want to know about Defend Yourself’s approach, including the research showing its effectiveness, check out the Empowerment Self-Defense Alliance.