Implementation of empowerment self-defense programming in a university counseling center: An effective sexual violence prevention delivery model

Abstract

Objective: Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) is a sexual violence prevention approach backed by rigorous empirical research, yet its availability on college campuses is limited. This manuscript evaluates the feasibility and efficacy of an ESD program embedded within a university counseling center. Methods: Participants completed an 8-session ESD intervention and group counseling program. Results: Feasibility and acceptability of this program were demonstrated by excellent participant retention and supported by institutional buy-in and counselor involvement. Pre-post assessments demonstrated that participants reported significant reductions in posttraumatic stress symptoms, F (1, 56) = 22.46, p < .001 and improvements in both interpersonal self-efficacy, F (1, 56) = 88.81, p < .001, and self-defense self-efficacy, F (1, 56) = 100.20, p < .001. Conclusion: The findings support the use of ESD programming as part of college campus sexual violence efforts and provide a blueprint for administrators and college mental-health centers who wish to offer this effective program to the college students they serve.

Keywords:

• Empowerment self-defense
• sexual violence prevention
• college students
• counseling
• PTSD

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Jessica Palatnik for her literature review efforts in support of this project. Karen Chasen, the Vice President of the New York Chapter of IMPACT International, Prepare, reviewed earlier drafts of this manuscript and is thanked for her unconditional support of the second author through the process organizing the embedded program and acquiring institutional approval, funding, and stakeholders. Lastly, we would like to thank members of the Montclair State University Counseling center for their willingness to welcome this program into the center, and for the referrals and support they offered participants as part of this embedded program.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of United States and received approval from the Montclair State University Institutional Review Board.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.