ESD offers training in assessment as well as verbal and physical prevention, intervention, response, and healing.

Developed over the past 40 years with more than 100 current practitioners nationwide, Empowerment Self Defense training includes boundary setting, assertive communication and de-escalation, and goes beyond stranger attacks to expressly address violence by partners, acquaintances, and other known assailants.

ESD increases awareness of the social context of violence experienced by women, children, the LGBTQ community, people of color, those with disabilities, and other groups, promoting both bystander intervention and community action for social change. ESD is trauma-informed and committed to ending victim-blaming and supporting healing for survivors of violence.

What’s the Difference Between ESD and Other self defense programs?

What the Research Says