<snipped>
I have been trained in how to defend myself from these behaviors. I go to a class at LEAST 4 times a year where we spend all day going over defense moves to protect us and them. Not only that, but my ex husband taught me Marine Corps hand to hand combat.
Never once....NOT ONE TIME....has my first gut instinct been to attack them, restrain them or even stop them from doing what they were going to do. I know that if I do, that hurts them and will probably end up hurting me even more. There was one time were I was directed to take a guy down to the floor. It took two of us to do it as he was out of his mind. It was one of the most horrible experiences of my life. After having to restrain him multiple times through the night to protect himself, as well as us, and him fighting us the whole time....he didnt have ONE mark on him.
Just wanted to point out that physical violence doesnt have to be the first go to reaction when someone attacks us. I want to give you the benefit of a doubt that its because you are a man but you seem more educated than that. The very first thing we are taught is to walk away if you can. And if you cant you do everything you can to keep them away from you or anyone else without actually touching them, restraining them, or hurting them.
If we can do it...so can you.
Please keep that in mind next time.