In a survey of 97 women who completed IMPACT Self-Defense —ranging from a few months to over 30 years ago—participants shared powerful stories of transformation. Across generations and eight IMPACT chapters, women reported feeling more confident, aware, and empowered, not only in everyday life but also during high stress moments.
1. The Power of
Noticing: Awareness Skills for Safety
Participants
emphasized that the training heightened their ability to see and
evaluate their environments and relationships in new ways. From
recognizing unsafe situations to identifying unhealthy relationship
patterns, participants said they had a greater awareness of
themselves, others, and the environment.
“After learning in class how to recognize a dangerous/manipulative person, I realized the relationship I was in at the time was an unhealthy one. I am now in a different one where I feel happy and safe.”
2. The Power of
Words: Verbal Skills for Confidence
One of the core lessons
of IMPACT is the value of using your voice. Women learned to set
boundaries, de-escalate confrontations, and advocate for themselves
and others with confidence and clarity.
“The discovery of my voice has probably been the most significant. I speak up now for what I want and know that my opinion matters. IMPACT has taught me how to say ‘no’ and the freedom to say ‘yes.’”
These verbal skills promote assertiveness in everyday interactions, whether at home, work, or in public spaces.
3. The Power of
My Body: Physical Skills for Action
From learning to escape
dangerous situations to projecting confidence, the physical
techniques taught in IMPACT include not only striking and kicking but
also breathing, strategic movement, and confident body language and
are supported by a deep belief in being worth fighting for.
Participants shared stories of using these skills to prevent harm or
fight back when necessary.
“The person I was with decided that he was going to wake me up in the middle of the night by choking me. He was very angry and was going to kill me. I wish I could say I remembered to do the leg hook, but I didn’t. What I did remember is you never stop fighting, you never stop trying to free yourself and protect yourself.”
4. The Power of
Using My Feelings: Acting Even When I’m Afraid
IMPACT
training equips participants to act effectively even in unsettling or
threatening situations. Participants described feeling fear while
simultaneously knowing what to do to protect themselves.
“I felt like I was in a split screen experience, the part of me that was scared and the part that knew what to do.”
The ability to project calmness and take action was empowering in high-stakes situations and in everyday life.
5. The IMPACT
lasts
The long-term effects of the program are profound.
Whether participants completed the course a few months prior or three
decades ago, they reported confidence, assertiveness, and a deep
belief that their safety, well-being, and voices matter.
“I believe that my IMPACT experience has made a difference in my life EVERY DAY since I took the program over 20 years ago. IMPACT changed my life. I’m grateful every day.”
IMPACT-trained women did not engage in self-blaming or risky behavior and used their skills to prevent and interrupt aggressive behavior. From walking confidently down the street to navigating relationships and workplaces, the skills learned in IMPACT last a lifetime.
Martha Thompson, PhD
IMPACT Chicago Lead Instructor, 1988-2020
Based on: Martha E. Thompson “Empowerment Through Feminist Self-Defense: The IMPACT Lasts.” Violence Against Women 29(14):2915-2940. doi: 10.1177/10778012231197576.
Thank you to Mona MacDonald at Mona MacDonald Design for the infographic.
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