IMPACT
Violence Prevention

Who We Are

IMPACT Violence Prevention offers comprehensive violence prevention programs such as personal safety, assertiveness and self-defense training. We connect our empowerment self-defense training method to a broader change strategy, incorporating a more explicit racial & disability justice analysis into our work to end gender-based violence.

IMPACT Violence Prevention is an international affiliation of independent chapters. Each IMPACT chapter has its own organizational structure and programmatic focus. All IVP affiliates abide by the ESD Code of Ethics.

IMPACT Chapters share the following defining characteristics:

TEACHING THROUGH REALISTIC SCENARIOS

IMPACT programs teach through simulations of physical and non-physical boundary violations committed by strangers and people we know. Students are coached by one instructor while another instructor portrays the role of aggressor or assailant.
Button
TEACHING VERBAL SKILLS AND THE USE OF VOICE

IMPACT programs offer practice in communication strategies such as verbal de-escalation, assertive communication and boundary-setting skills.
Button
TEACHING FULL-FORCE PHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

IMPACT courses give participants practice with full force strikes in simulations against instructors wearing a suit of full-body armor specially designed for this type of training.
Button
TEACHING SAFETY SKILLS IN A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

Our instructors offer a physically safe and emotionally supportive environment, which allows students to increase self-confidence and skills and enhance their sense of personal power.
Button

SENSITIVITY TO TRAUMA

For many who have experienced family violence, sexual assault, or other trauma, the experience of being physically powerful in the face of a simulated assault is a unique healing experience. IMPACT instructors are sensitive to abuse and related issues.

STRATEGIES WITH PEOPLE WE KNOW

IMPACT recognizes that the majority of sexual assaults and other violations are committed by people close to us. IMPACT teaches effective strategies for addressing situations in which the person not respecting our boundaries is a dating partner, family member, or other familiar person.

IMPACT: SELF-DEFENSE FOR EVERYONE

IMPACT chapters are committed to the belief that people are powerful and capable of protecting themselves. IMPACT teaches effective self-protection skills that work for people of different ages, sizes, and physical abilities.

COMMITMENT TO WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

IMPACT is committed to a teaching environment with women in leadership roles.

COLLABORATING TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AND SUPPORT SURVIVORS

IMPACT training is an important part of a comprehensive strategy to create social change, prevent abuse, and support healing. IMPACT organizations are committed to a broad vision of societal response to violence.