Reclaiming Strength Through Self-Defense

For survivors of abuse, healing can mean more than finding safety. It can also mean rebuilding confidence, trusting your instincts, and feeling strong in your own body again.

That is the mission behind Empty Hand Open Heart.

In this podcast conversation, our founder, Tracy Dickey, shares how her personal experiences, martial arts background, and work with survivors inspired her to create a trauma-informed self-defense program for women impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.

Empty Hand Open Heart teaches practical self-defense in a supportive environment designed to meet survivors where they are. The goal is not simply to teach physical techniques. It is to help women regain a sense of control, confidence, and personal strength.

For survivors, these skills can be an important step forward.

For foundations, donors, and community partners, supporting Empty Hand Open Heart means helping make these programs accessible to women who may otherwise never have the opportunity to receive this kind of training.

Every class has the potential to help a survivor feel safer, stronger, and more prepared for what comes next.

Watch Tracy’s story and learn how you can help Empty Hand Open Heart empower more survivors through self-defense.