ESD In Universities
Supporting safer, more respectful campus communities.
Universities play an important role in creating environments where students can feel safe, respected and empowered.
Empowered Self Defence (ESD) is an evidence-informed program that helps female and female-identifying students build confidence, strengthen personal agency and develop practical skills for navigating challenging situations. Through a trauma-informed approach, participants learn about boundaries, assertive communication, recognising warning signs, responding to harassment and violence, and accessing support when needed.
ESD complements broader university initiatives focused on student wellbeing, gender-based violence prevention and creating safer campus communities.
Working in Partnership with Safer Communities Teams
We work alongside Safer Communities teams, Student Wellbeing services, Residential Life teams and university leaders to support a coordinated approach to student safety and violence prevention.
ESD can complement existing initiatives by:
- Supporting student confidence and agency
- Reinforcing respectful relationships education
- Increasing awareness of support pathways
- Enhancing student engagement with prevention initiatives
- Contributing to a culture of safety, respect and inclusion
Our programs are designed to align with broader institutional efforts to prevent gender-based violence and support student wellbeing.
Part of a Broader Prevention Framework
Preventing gender-based violence requires action at multiple levels.
While ESD focuses on building confidence, agency and practical skills for female and female-identifying students, we recognise that lasting prevention also requires addressing the social and structural drivers of violence, including gender inequality, harmful stereotypes and unequal power dynamics.
For this reason, ESD is most effective when delivered as part of a broader prevention strategy that includes education, policy, support services and initiatives that engage all members of the university community.
Supporting National Priorities
ESD contributes to university efforts to:
- Promote student safety and wellbeing
- Prevent gender-based violence
- Foster respectful relationships
- Support students affected by violence and harassment
- Build inclusive and supportive campus cultures
- Strengthen prevention and early intervention initiatives
Flexible Delivery Models
Programs can be delivered through:
- Orientation and transition programs
- Residential colleges and student accommodation
- Safer Communities initiatives
- Student wellbeing programs
- Women’s leadership programs
- Targeted workshops and campus events
