Empowerment Self-Defense: Theory, Research and Practice explores the theory, research, and practice of empowerment self-defense as a sexual assault prevention approach. This book begins with introductory chapters that introduce key issues and theory, including the theoretical underpinnings of empowerment self-defense, the difference between empowerment self-defense and martial arts, as well as myths and misconceptions about the approach. The second section include a series of chapters that summarize research on empowerment self-defense. The final section of the book will address special topics, including implementation of empowerment self-defense for indigenous population, individuals with disabilities, and transgender women.

Nationwide, 81% of women have reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. Sexual assault prevention programs vary in their approaches and one approach empowerment self-defense, strengthens an individual’s ability to prevent and respond to threat, and holds great promise for stopping violence and reducing inequality.

• Defines “trauma-informed” empowerment self-defense
• Identifies how to assess empowerment self-defense effectiveness
• Includes measures for key constructs
• Discusses application of self-defense to transgender women