CVPP offers community workshops, courses, and presentations in safety, self-defense, and stress reduction that utilize a holistic approach. CVPP is unique as a violence-prevention program because it combines practical safety information with an analysis of violence. CVPP empowers individuals and communities to protect themselves, speak out, and to challenge violence whenever possible. This citywide education program reaches over 800 people a year.

CVPP workshops and courses may include safety and prevention strategies, basic evasion and self-defense techniques, de-escalation and/or assertiveness skills, conflict resolution exercises, role-plays and group discussion, or self-awareness / self-care and healing exercises adapted from the gentle art of T’ai chi.

Each course, workshop, and presentation is tailored to meet the specific violence-prevention, safety, and stress reduction needs of the groups and individuals with whom we.

Basic self-defense strategies include ways to evade violence in a threatening encounter (whether with a stranger or someone we know), defending with verbal and physical techniques, and getting help afterwards.

Discussions cover strategies for safety and prevention, the emotional aspects of dealing with violence, and concrete steps individuals can take to help themselves and their communities to be safer.

Role-plays allow participants to practice asserting themselves, setting clear boundaries, and building strong voices.

Along with adult CVPP instructors, a group of specially trained Peer Educators co-lead workshops and courses for young women, as well as co-ed groups.

“CAE trainings provide a unique and important opportunity for people to gain verbal, psychological, and physical skill… We appreciate the holistic approach to violence-prevention and the inclusion of tai chi to aid in relaxation, stress reduction, and healing.”

- GRIOT Circle (serving LGBT seniors)

“Your class didn’t just teach self-defense or how to fight, but it helped me learn about myself and find the power within myself to deal with situations or confrontations that arise.”

- Sister Outsider (serving teen women)

“CAE’s training helps to restore to survivors something that is often lacking in other forums – a connection between mind, body, and spirit that may have been severed when they were assaulted.”

- Park Slope Safe Homes Project (serving domestic violence survivors)



To help keep these vital services accessible, CVPP training is offered on a sliding scale, based upon organizational size and budget.

For more information or to set up a workshop, course, training, or presentation, call us :