Self-defense

Self-defense (self-defence primarily in Commonwealth English) is a countermeasure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm.

In either case, the chances of success depend on various parameters, related to the severity of the threat on one hand, but also on the mental and physical preparedness of the defender.

Knives, especially those categorized as switchblades, may also be controlled, as may batons, pepper spray and personal electroshock weapons—although some may be legal to carry with a license or for certain professions.

These early feminists sought to raise awareness about the sexual harassment and violence that women faced on the street, at work, and in the home.

ESD courses explore the multiple sources of gender-based violence especially including its connections with sexism, racism, and classism.

Empowerment Self-Defense instructors focus on holding perpetrators responsible while empowering women with the idea that they have both the right and ability to protect themselves.

Many systems are taught commercially, tailored to the needs of specific target audiences (e.g. defense against attempted rape for women, self-defense for children and teens).

Notable systems taught commercially include: In any given case, it can be difficult to evaluate whether force was excessive.

It operates as a justification, the successful application of which means that owing to the circumstances in which the act was produced, it is not morally blameworthy.

These include any relevant military training (R v Khill), heightened awareness of patterns of cyclical violence in intimate relationships ( R v Lavallée) and whether the accused has autism (R v Kagan).

However, R v Lavalleé accepted expert evidence demonstrating that people experiencing battered women's syndrome have special knowledge about the cyclical nature of violence in a way allows them to foresee when harm is coming.

[17] However, there is an exception to the obligation to retreat which is there is no requirement to flee from your own home to escape an assault to raise self-defense (R v Forde).