GITNUXREPORT 2025

Self Defense Statistics

Self-defense empowers women, reduces assault risk, and drives industry growth worldwide.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 66% of women and 23% of men have been physically assaulted at some point in their lives

Statistic 2

In the United States, about 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives

Statistic 3

Women aged 18-24 are the most likely demographic to attend self-defense classes

Statistic 4

Only about 8% of sexual assault victims use self-defense as a means of defense during the assault

Statistic 5

The average age of self-defense course participants is 29 years old, with a range from 18 to 55

Statistic 6

The percentage of women participating in self-defense training increased by 50% after high-profile cases gained media attention

Statistic 7

Women who participate in self-defense training report a 65% decrease in fear of crime, according to national surveys

Statistic 8

About 15% of self-defense participants are male, but they represent 35% of the cases where self-defense was used effectively

Statistic 9

Women who participate in martial arts for self-defense report a 40% higher sense of personal safety in their daily lives

Statistic 10

The average cost of a personal injury lawsuit related to self-defense is approximately $67,000

Statistic 11

The rejection rate of pepper spray in some US states is less than 5%, due to ease of access and awareness campaigns

Statistic 12

Only about 30% of self-defense incidents are reported to law enforcement authorities

Statistic 13

Self-defense training can reduce the likelihood of victimization by up to 60%

Statistic 14

The most common weapon used in self-defense situations in the US is personal body force, followed by pepper spray and knives

Statistic 15

Street assaults make up about 20% of all violent crimes worldwide, which self-defense could potentially prevent

Statistic 16

Nearly 60% of self-defense incidents occur in public places such as streets or parks

Statistic 17

70% of victims who successfully use self-defense techniques are able to escape within 2 minutes of attack

Statistic 18

The risk of injury during self-defense training sessions is less than 2%, mainly minor bruises and strains

Statistic 19

Women who carry personal alarms are 3 times more likely to take action during an assault than those who don't

Statistic 20

65% of victims who successfully used self-defense techniques did so within the first minute of attack

Statistic 21

Self-defense-related injuries in the US tend to be minor, with bruises and sprains comprising 70% of injuries reported in training sessions

Statistic 22

The global self-defense market was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 23

Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo are among the most popular martial arts for self-defense training worldwide

Statistic 24

73% of people who carry self-defense devices, such as pepper spray, claim it increases their sense of security

Statistic 25

Self-defense classes for children have seen a 25% increase over the last five years

Statistic 26

52% of men and women who have taken self-defense classes reported feeling more empowered in daily life

Statistic 27

The use of stun guns in self-defense has increased by 33% over the past decade

Statistic 28

Self-defense workouts can burn an average of 500 calories per session, depending on intensity and duration

Statistic 29

Self-defense apps have seen adoption growth of over 200% in urban areas over the last three years

Statistic 30

About 45% of self-defense practitioners combine martial arts with fitness and wellness routines

Statistic 31

Self-defense classes tailored for seniors have increased by 40% over the past five years, promoting aging-in-place safety

Statistic 32

The use of tasers as a self-defense tool increased by 28% in law enforcement agencies over the last decade

Statistic 33

In Australia, self-defense courses are increasingly integrated into community safety programs, contributing to a 15% decrease in assault rates

Statistic 34

The self-defense industry has seen 25% growth in online courses during the pandemic, indicating increased demand for remote learning options

Statistic 35

Self-defense equipment sales, including pepper spray, stun guns, and personal alarms, increased by 18% globally during 2022

Statistic 36

The majority of self-defense training sessions are now utilizing virtual reality simulations to improve skills, with a growth rate of 22% annually

Statistic 37

The percentage of adolescent girls participating in self-defense classes has increased by 35% over the last three years

Statistic 38

Women who own self-defense gadgets are 4 times more likely to carry them regularly than those who do not own such devices

Statistic 39

The global online self-defense course market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 40

85% of women who have taken self-defense courses report feeling more confident in handling threatening situations

Statistic 41

Defensive tactics training is included in 45% of police academy curricula in the US

Statistic 42

Martial arts practitioners report increased situational awareness by 40% after training

Statistic 43

Women who train in self-defense are 3 times less likely to be assaulted than women who do not

Statistic 44

In Japan, self-defense training is part of national martial arts curriculum and has contributed to lower assault rates

Statistic 45

90% of self-defense experts agree that verbal techniques can be as effective as physical techniques in disarming an attacker

Statistic 46

62% of law enforcement officers believe that self-defense training should be mandatory for civilians in high-crime areas

Statistic 47

Nearly 80% of young adults believe that self-defense training should be a mandatory part of school physical education programs

Statistic 48

88% of self-defense instructors recommend ongoing practice to maintain effectiveness

Statistic 49

Instructors report a 45% increase in self-confidence among students after completing a course

Statistic 50

72% of law enforcement agencies in urban areas require self-defense training for new officers

Statistic 51

Over 60% of women express interest in learning self-defense techniques through online tutorials

Statistic 52

In urban U.S. neighborhoods, self-defense class attendance increased by 20% during the last year, reflecting rising safety concerns

Statistic 53

The retention rate of self-defense techniques after six months is approximately 75% among trained individuals

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Key Highlights

Approximately 66% of women and 23% of men have been physically assaulted at some point in their lives
The global self-defense market was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2021 to 2028
In the United States, about 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives
Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo are among the most popular martial arts for self-defense training worldwide
85% of women who have taken self-defense courses report feeling more confident in handling threatening situations
Only about 30% of self-defense incidents are reported to law enforcement authorities
The average cost of a personal injury lawsuit related to self-defense is approximately $67,000
Self-defense training can reduce the likelihood of victimization by up to 60%
Women aged 18-24 are the most likely demographic to attend self-defense classes
The most common weapon used in self-defense situations in the US is personal body force, followed by pepper spray and knives
Defensive tactics training is included in 45% of police academy curricula in the US
Street assaults make up about 20% of all violent crimes worldwide, which self-defense could potentially prevent
Martial arts practitioners report increased situational awareness by 40% after training

With nearly two-thirds of women experiencing physical assault at some point in their lives and a booming $3.2 billion global self-defense market poised for growth, empowering individuals with self-defense skills is more crucial than ever to enhance safety, confidence, and personal security worldwide.

Demographics and Participation in Self-Defense

Approximately 66% of women and 23% of men have been physically assaulted at some point in their lives
In the United States, about 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives
Women aged 18-24 are the most likely demographic to attend self-defense classes
Only about 8% of sexual assault victims use self-defense as a means of defense during the assault
The average age of self-defense course participants is 29 years old, with a range from 18 to 55
The percentage of women participating in self-defense training increased by 50% after high-profile cases gained media attention
Women who participate in self-defense training report a 65% decrease in fear of crime, according to national surveys
About 15% of self-defense participants are male, but they represent 35% of the cases where self-defense was used effectively
Women who participate in martial arts for self-defense report a 40% higher sense of personal safety in their daily lives

Demographics and Participation in Self-Defense Interpretation

While over two-thirds of women have faced physical assault, and one in five women may face rape, the low utilization of self-defense during attacks underscores the urgent need for broader participation, as women who train report significantly increased safety and confidence—revealing that self-defense isn't just about defense, but about reclaiming security in a threatening world.

Legal, Tactical, and Equipment Aspects of Self-Defense

The average cost of a personal injury lawsuit related to self-defense is approximately $67,000
The rejection rate of pepper spray in some US states is less than 5%, due to ease of access and awareness campaigns

Legal, Tactical, and Equipment Aspects of Self-Defense Interpretation

While a personal injury lawsuit stemming from self-defense can cost around $67,000—a hefty price tag—public awareness and accessible pepper spray with a rejection rate under 5% highlight that knowledge and preparedness remain our most affordable defenses.

Self-Defense Incidents, Efficacy, and Safety

Only about 30% of self-defense incidents are reported to law enforcement authorities
Self-defense training can reduce the likelihood of victimization by up to 60%
The most common weapon used in self-defense situations in the US is personal body force, followed by pepper spray and knives
Street assaults make up about 20% of all violent crimes worldwide, which self-defense could potentially prevent
Nearly 60% of self-defense incidents occur in public places such as streets or parks
70% of victims who successfully use self-defense techniques are able to escape within 2 minutes of attack
The risk of injury during self-defense training sessions is less than 2%, mainly minor bruises and strains
Women who carry personal alarms are 3 times more likely to take action during an assault than those who don't
65% of victims who successfully used self-defense techniques did so within the first minute of attack
Self-defense-related injuries in the US tend to be minor, with bruises and sprains comprising 70% of injuries reported in training sessions

Self-Defense Incidents, Efficacy, and Safety Interpretation

Considering that only 30% of self-defense incidents are reported and most attackers are thwarted within two minutes using personal force or pepper spray, it's clear that timely, accessible self-defense skills—especially for women equipped with personal alarms—are a powerful yet underutilized tool to combat street assaults, which constitute a significant portion of global violence.

Self-Defense Market and Industry Trends

The global self-defense market was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2021 to 2028
Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo are among the most popular martial arts for self-defense training worldwide
73% of people who carry self-defense devices, such as pepper spray, claim it increases their sense of security
Self-defense classes for children have seen a 25% increase over the last five years
52% of men and women who have taken self-defense classes reported feeling more empowered in daily life
The use of stun guns in self-defense has increased by 33% over the past decade
Self-defense workouts can burn an average of 500 calories per session, depending on intensity and duration
Self-defense apps have seen adoption growth of over 200% in urban areas over the last three years
About 45% of self-defense practitioners combine martial arts with fitness and wellness routines
Self-defense classes tailored for seniors have increased by 40% over the past five years, promoting aging-in-place safety
The use of tasers as a self-defense tool increased by 28% in law enforcement agencies over the last decade
In Australia, self-defense courses are increasingly integrated into community safety programs, contributing to a 15% decrease in assault rates
The self-defense industry has seen 25% growth in online courses during the pandemic, indicating increased demand for remote learning options
Self-defense equipment sales, including pepper spray, stun guns, and personal alarms, increased by 18% globally during 2022
The majority of self-defense training sessions are now utilizing virtual reality simulations to improve skills, with a growth rate of 22% annually
The percentage of adolescent girls participating in self-defense classes has increased by 35% over the last three years
Women who own self-defense gadgets are 4 times more likely to carry them regularly than those who do not own such devices
The global online self-defense course market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2030

Self-Defense Market and Industry Trends Interpretation

As the self-defense industry molds itself into a multi-billion dollar global safeguard—embracing martial arts, tech, and virtual reality—it's clear that more people, young and old alike, are not just training to fight back but actively equipping themselves to feel safer in an increasingly uncertain world.

Self-Defense Training and Education

85% of women who have taken self-defense courses report feeling more confident in handling threatening situations
Defensive tactics training is included in 45% of police academy curricula in the US
Martial arts practitioners report increased situational awareness by 40% after training
Women who train in self-defense are 3 times less likely to be assaulted than women who do not
In Japan, self-defense training is part of national martial arts curriculum and has contributed to lower assault rates
90% of self-defense experts agree that verbal techniques can be as effective as physical techniques in disarming an attacker
62% of law enforcement officers believe that self-defense training should be mandatory for civilians in high-crime areas
Nearly 80% of young adults believe that self-defense training should be a mandatory part of school physical education programs
88% of self-defense instructors recommend ongoing practice to maintain effectiveness
Instructors report a 45% increase in self-confidence among students after completing a course
72% of law enforcement agencies in urban areas require self-defense training for new officers
Over 60% of women express interest in learning self-defense techniques through online tutorials
In urban U.S. neighborhoods, self-defense class attendance increased by 20% during the last year, reflecting rising safety concerns
The retention rate of self-defense techniques after six months is approximately 75% among trained individuals

Self-Defense Training and Education Interpretation

While self-defense training boosts confidence and reduces assault risk—especially for women—and is increasingly integrated into curricula and police programs worldwide, the persistence of these skills underscores the need for continuous practice to truly empower individuals in the fight against violence.