Everyone can be safer.
Empowerment self-defense classes and on-site trainings in central Ohio, since 1993. For individuals, workplaces, schools, agencies and community groups.
Join a class
Two four-hour classes open to the public, and a 20-hour intensive for those who want the whole journey. No experience needed.
We come to you
Safety 101 for work teams, and IMPACT:Ability for schools and agencies serving people with disabilities. On site, or at an arranged venue.
Support the work
Your gift funds scholarship seats for people who could not otherwise attend. IMPACT Safety is an independent 501(c)(3).
Five ways to train with IMPACT
Every class draws from the same source: empowerment self-defense. Pick the intensity and the setting that fit your life.
multi-session series for schools and agencies serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Allie, IMPACT graduate
What is Empowerment Self-Defense?
More than physical technique
Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) is an evidence-based approach to personal and community safety. It addresses the full spectrum of violence, from verbal harassment to physical assault, and it teaches you to interrupt it early.
Listen to your intuition. Notice the funny feeling and take it seriously.
Assess the situation. Name what is happening and decide what you want to happen.
Set boundaries and de-escalate. Use your voice and your body to say no clearly and early.
Respond, verbally and physically. If it comes to that, use full-force skills to stop an attack and get to safety.
Assault is never the fault of the person targeted. Accountability lies with the person who commits violence. Every class starts there.
“When we talk about self-defense, we say … our definition is anytime you’ve made a decision to keep yourself emotionally, your heart or your body safe.”
Julie Harmon, IMPACT executive director emerita
Impact at a glance
Since 1993
959 people reached across 48 programs in 2023.
More than 18 years teaching for-credit self-defense at Denison University.
88% of IMPACT:Ability graduates knew a key personal-safety strategy afterward, up from 50% before.
From IMPACT Safety annual reports (2018, 2022, 2023) and program evaluations (2020, 2023).
"IMPACT helped me find my voice, my body, and my POWER. I feel more comfortable in myself and going after what I want, need, and deserve."
Self-defense class participant, Columbus.
"Thank you for making me remember how brave I am."
BASICS student, Denison University, 2023.
Who we are
The people behind IMPACT
IMPACT Safety has taught personal safety and empowerment self-defense across central Ohio since 1993, most recently as a program of LifeCare Alliance. In January 2026 we became an independent 501(c)(3) to sustain and grow the work. Every instructor is mentored, trained, and certified.
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Julie Harmon, PhD, Executive Director Emerita
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Erin Upchurch, Incoming Executive Director
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Venica Miller, Program Manager and Instructor
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Matt O'Brien, Director of Instructor Training
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And nine instructors
For workplaces, schools, and agencies
Bring IMPACT to your people
Safety 101 comes to your team as a two-hour session with two trainers, expandable to four hours. IMPACT:Ability runs as a multi-session series with schools, agencies, and self-advocate groups, with grant-subsidized seats where funding allows. Any class can also be booked privately for a group.
Support and stay in touch
Fund a seat. Hear when classes are scheduled.
Scholarships have extended our classes to more than a hundred people in a single year. Donations cover those seats and the gaps between grants. Board and fundraising committee members are always welcome.