Much of the work of empowerment self-defense lies in overcoming many of the myths and false perceptions about assault and self-defense. Many self-defense courses are taught with a male on male experience of assault in mind and do not necessarily reflect the reality of violence that most women face.

Empowerment self-defense classes prepare women to cope with the particular types of gender-based violence they are likely to experience. These include assaults by people they know (including intimate and familial relationships), workplace harassment, and abuse, harassment, and assault during everyday encounters.

Contrary to popular belief most assaults are not perpetrated by a stranger, but by someone the victim already knows. In 8 out of 10 assaults the victim knew their assailant beforehand. When looking at college age women (in which occurs the highest rate of sexual assault) this statistic goes up to 9 out of 10. While this is a startling statistic it makes it clear just how effective clear and firm boundary setting in everyday life can be when it comes to creating a broader experience of overall safety.

More than 85% of assaults do not start with a strike or a grab but with '“feeling out” behaviors. A conversation, a pat on the leg, hand on the shoulder or other unwanted touch all serve to test boundaries. More than 75% of these cases can be stopped with firm boundary setting through body language, tone of voice, and clear and focused use of language. This statistic demonstrates just how important it is to recognize when your boundaries are being crossed and feel confident setting a boundary before the need to physically defend yourself arises.