Empowerment self-defence training is a preventative intervention for violence against women and girls. It is distinctive for presenting a gender analysis of violence alongside imparting skills to better pre-empt and ward off attacks. Unlike other interventions there is good evidence that participation in empowerment self-defence classes reduces risk of future assaults and increases feelings of self-confidence. In this talk, I will present a feminist research project that investigates what happens in the classes in order to further advance knowledge about violent encounters and how they can be interrupted. The research includes a video study of ten classes delivered by Kia Haumaru, a feminist, bi-cultural, non-governmental organisation in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The data are examined using conversation analysis. The findings establish various responses to violence are possible that may alter the progression of violent encounters in different ways. The results are used to further develop a consideration of the sequential organisation of violent actions and the socially constituted forces shaping their realisation.