IMPACT Self-Defense and Counseling: An Effective Collaboration

The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) ofMontclair University and Prepare Inc which offers IMPACT in the greater New York area have developed an effective collaboration for students who have experienced sexual violence. At the IMPACT International Directors Meeting in New York City in August, researchers and staff psychologists Lisa Weinberg and Jennifer Vogel-Davis reported that 22% of the students who come for counseling at Montclair University have experienced sexual violence and 33% have experienced harassment, abuse, or controlling behaviors.  In an innovative program, CAPS and Prepare offer “Self-Defense Training/Group Counseling for Women” each fall. Based on a pretest, posttest, and 5 month follow-up, Weinberg and Vogel-Davis have found that participants report a decrease in PTSD symptoms and increases in interpersonal and self-defense self-efficacy. This combination of counseling and self-defense training has increased the retention rates of college students with a history of sexual trauma.