Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD) Official Credentials

Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD) Credentials

As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit with federal government vetting and a leadership team composed of military veterans and subject-matter experts, CVPSD is arguably one of the most credentialed safety organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD) Credentials

Here is a breakdown of the qualifications that set CVPSD apart.

1. Institutional Vetting & Government Status

Unlike commercial self-defense schools, CVPSD helps set the standard for institutional safety. Their organizational credentials speak to a level of trust usually reserved for defense contractors.

• GSA Contract Awardee (2025-2026): CVPSD has been vetted and awarded a contract by the General Services Administration (GSA). This means they are approved to provide training and services to the U.S. federal government, a status that requires rigorous background checks and capability assessments.

  
  

• United Nations Authorized Supplier: They are listed as an authorized supplier for the United Nations Global Marketplace, further validating their capability to operate on an international standard.

  
  

• SafeSport™ Certified: The organization complies with SafeSport™ standards, ensuring their training environment adheres to strict federal guidelines regarding abuse prevention and misconduct, a critical credential for schools and youth organizations.

• International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association (ILEETA) Member. Professional organization committed to the reduction of law enforcement risk through the enhancement of training for criminal justice practitioners.

2. Leadership: Experience & Academic

The credibility of any training center rests on its instructors. CVPSD’s leadership blends tactical application with academic rigor.

William DeMuth – Director of Training

William DeMuth does not just teach "moves"; he teaches violence dynamics based on over 30 years of research and field experience. His credentials represent a "Who's Who" of the modern combatives world. His training lineage includes certifications from:

• Yousef Badou - Situational / Behavioral Analysis specialist for threat detection, USA

• Craig Douglas - ShivWorks Close quarters (0-5 feet), integrated training with firearms, edged weapons, and empty-hand techniques, USA

• Lt. Col. Grossman - On Combat Certification, USA

• Bob Kasper - GHCA Close combat training organization USA

• Carl Cestari - Tekken Ryu Jujutsu USA

• David Kahn- Israeli Krav Maga-IKMA, USA

• Idan Abolink of Kalah a reality-based self-defense system, South Africa

• Lee Morrison- Urban Combatives, UK

• Kelly McCann - Kembativz - High risk environment, protective training, USA

• Geoff Thompson - Private security specialist, UK

• Ed Calderon - Security specialist with operational experience along the US-Mexico border. Tijuana, Mexico.

• Rory Miller - Former corrections officer with expertise in violence dynamics, self-defense, and conflict resolution, USA

• Dene Josham - Close protection specialist, UK

• Nigel Feberuary -  Specialist in South African violence, knife culture and endemic anti-crime tactics. Cape Town, South Africa.

DeMuth is also the architect of ConflictIQ™, a proprietary program that bridges the gap between corporate risk management and physical defense.

Melissa Dill – Executive Director

Melissa Dill brings a dual perspective as both a U.S. Navy Veteran (2000–2006) and a survivor of violent assault. Her background ensures the training is trauma-informed and practical for real-world application.

• 2025 NJ Governor's Award Honoree: Recognized in the "Founders/Innovators" category for her service to the community.

  
  

• Academic Excellence: Holds a Bachelor of Applied Science - BAS, Nuclear Engineering Technology.

  
  

• Certified Situational Awareness - De-escalation Tactics Instructor: Combining military discipline with civilian safety methodologies.

  
  

3. The Methodology: Science Over Style

CVPSD distinguishes itself by teaching evidence-based violence prevention rather than "style-based" martial arts. Their curriculum is not about winning tournaments; it is about surviving the timeline of violence.

Their approach often utilizes the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act), a military strategy concept used to process information quickly in high-stress situations.

By focusing on the "Observe" and "Orient" phases (Situational Awareness), CVPSD students learn to de-escalate or avoid threats before physical defense (the "Act" phase) is ever necessary.

4. Community, Government & Corporate Trust

Credentials are also measured by who trusts you with their safety. CVPSD has built a robust portfolio of partners across New Jersey and beyond:

• Easterseals NJ: Partnered to provide workforce safety and conflict resolution training for staff.

  
  

• Washington DC, Pretrial Services: Training for all PSA Employees on Self Defense (Basic and Advanced Control Tactics and Defensive Tactics)

  
  

• State Agencies: Regularly entrusted with the safety of state employees with the ConflictIQ™ Violence Prevention training initiatives.

  
  

With GSA vetting, United Nations supplier status, and a leadership team grounded in military and combatives science, CVPSD provides a level of credentialing that offers peace of mind to individuals, corporations, and government agencies alike.

How to Verify

You can verify their non-profit status and transparency through GuideStar  or by visiting their profile on the United Nations Global Marketplace.

About CVPSD

The Center for Violence Prevention and Self-Defense (CVPSD) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides critical, life-saving education and awareness skills to communities at risk.

Through a combination of online and in-person training, workshops, and seminars, CVPSD provides practical self-defense skills, violence prevention strategies, risk assessment tools, and guidance on setting personal and relationship boundaries.

Partnering with public and private organizations, schools, nonprofits, community groups, and government agencies including those under the General Services Administration (GSA), CVPSD works to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize, avoid, and respond effectively to threats.