Self-defense classes for women have become more and more popular in recent times as a way for women to feel safer and more prepared to fend off violent attacks. Just take a peak at these women’s self-defense studies compiled by the University of Oregon to see how impactful self-defense classes can really be: Three independent studies concluded that women who complete a self-defense course are at least 50-60% less likely to be raped and are 33% less likely to report that someone had attempted to rape them. Self-defense classes tends to decrease a woman’s fear and anxiety about being attacked while increasing her confidence, sense of self-efficacy, and self-esteem. They also tend to make women stronger and more confident in their own body and more comfortable in interactions with strangers. Self-defense techniques do not increase the likelihood of injury during an attack, and many women who resist using techniques from self-defense classes have a reduced risk of personal injury during an attack.