We Are Worth Defending

10/01/2025

09/30/2025

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. IMPACT Safety is working to prevent violence through Empowerment Self-Defense. We are with survivors, always! www.impactsafety.org

09/24/2025

In support of OAESV, we too celebrate the beauty of the Hispanic & Latine culture and the courage of survivors within these communities.

To every Hispanic and Latine survivor: we see you, we support you, and we celebrate your strength.

Your healing matters. Your story matters. You matter. 💛

09/16/2025

🎉September 15 – October 15 marks Hispanic Heritage Month.🎉

We Are Worth Defending proudly recognizes and celebrates the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. Their influence spans art, music, literature, leadership, innovation, and everyday life, continuing to enrich and inspire the world.

Let us take this opportunity to learn, uplift, and appreciate the stories that shape us all.

09/10/2025

The power of women uniting to learn self-protection and mutual support has never been more vital. This recent incident, along with countless others, is a heartbreaking reminder of our need for collective strength and empowerment.

Newly released security video shows 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska board a Charlotte light rail train and sit down in front of the man who would fatally stab her...

08/23/2025

Let's empower our kids and ourselves! We fully support this teacher's innovative approach to teaching children when something is wrong and how to respond if someone tries to harm them.

08/22/2025

Have you ever experienced a sense of unease that you couldn’t quite explain? Perhaps the hairs on the back of your neck stood up, or a wave of apprehension settled in the pit of your stomach like butterflies?

This is your intuition; your body’s warning system signaling that something isn’t quite right. Heed this warning. Trusting your instincts is crucial and serves as a protective mechanism. The more attention you devote to your intuition, the more refined and discernible it becomes.

You don’t need a rational justification to trust yourself and protect your peace.

08/13/2025

Empowerment self-defense employs fighting as a last-resort technique, utilizing the body's natural defenses to target vulnerable areas.

Everything you need is already within you, and we can show you how to use it.

08/01/2025

During the summer break, children often experience an increase in unsupervised time due to the absence of a school routine. As parents continue to work, kids may be left alone at home or outdoors with reduced supervision, thereby exposing them to potential hazards such as swimming pools, busy streets, playground accidents, or online threats. The longer days and increased freedom can lead children to venture further away from home and engage in activities without adult oversight, often under the influence of their peers, which may encourage riskier behavior. For guidance on maintaining your child's safety, please visit: https://www.d2l.org/safety-doesnt-take-a-break-why-summer-safety-matters-more-than-ever/

06/25/2025

The City of Columbus wants to help you beat the heat this week. 🌞 The following resources are available to you or someone else in need, so please feel free to share this information.

Community Cooling Centers
Beginning Tuesday, June 24, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will open five regional cooling centers, operating daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., until the heat subsides:

Dodge Community Center – 667 Sullivant Ave., 43215
Driving Park Community Center – 1100 Rhoads Ave., 43206
Glenwood Community Center – 1888 Fairmont Ave., 43223
Linden Community Center – 1350 Briarwood Ave., 43211
Marion Franklin Community Center – 2801 Lockbourne Rd., 43207

All other community centers remain open for regular programming and are available for residents to cool down during hours of operation. Full list and hours: ColumbusRecParks.com/CommunityCenters

Pools & Spraygrounds
Outdoor Pools will extend hours from 1 – 8 p.m. daily starting June 24. Admission is FREE during the heat advisory. A leisure card is still required.
Spraygrounds at Barnett, Blackburn, Linden, and Scioto Southland will operate 12 – 8 p.m., free of charge.

Please check pool status and capacity limits before visiting, and remember to follow all posted rules for safety.

Columbus Metropolitan Libraries
All library branches are open until 8 p.m. and provide a safe, air-conditioned space for cooling off.
Find your nearest branch: Library Locations | Columbus Metropolitan Library

Free COTA Rides
COTA will waive all fares through Tuesday, June 24 to ensure residents can access cooling centers and essential services safely.

Community-Based Cooling Site
Thanks to support from Columbus City Council, Community Development for All People (946 Parsons Avenue) will serve as a cooling center from June 23 – 26, open until 10:00 p.m. daily.

Resources for Seniors
Franklin County residents 60+ can request a FREE box fan through the Office on Aging.
Request online: officeonaging.org/boxfan
Or call: 614-525-6200

06/19/2025

The origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865, when the last group of enslaved individuals in the southern United States were formally notified of their emancipation under the Emancipation Proclamation.

Happy Juneteenth!

06/07/2025

There is no better time than the present to get equipped with the tools and resources you need to unlock your inner strength. Sign up for our upcoming self-defense class and be prepared to leave feeling empowered.

Learn how to protect yourself in any situation at our Empowerment Self-Defense 101 class for women and girls age 12 and up. Find your voice!