''This article deals with the concept of defending oneself from an attack. For the legal usage, see Self-defense (theory)

Self-defense refers to actions taken by a person to defend oneself, one's property or one's home. There is considerable debate amongst individuals as to what constitutes an acceptable level of physical force during self-defense. Some individuals prefer a limited pacifist response, while others advocate means up to and including deadly force, such as firearms.

Forms of self-defense

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Self-defense strategies form the basis of numerous martial arts, especially East Asian martial arts, which usually provide self-defense classes as part of their curricula.

Many schools of self-defense also teach strategies aimed at avoiding or defusing physical confrontations. The curriculum for such courses commonly teach positioning strategies and strengthening the defender's self-confidence, which is assumed to discourage some physical attacks. Some studies, for instance, including those by David Lesak, have shown perpetrators who sexually assault acquaintances test their victims first. The perpetrator will gradually cross the potential victim's boundaries through techniques such as touching or making inappropriate sexual comments. If the woman responds with discomfort or fear his intrusive behavior may escalate to sexual assault. Women who responded to these early tactics with consistent assertiveness avoided rape.

National self-defense

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In politics, the concept of national or mutual self-defense to counter a war of aggression refers to a defensive war organised by the state, and is one possible criterion in the Just War theory.

See also

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• Anti-rape female condom
• Martial arts and self defense
• Personal safety
• Nonresistance
• Hand to hand combat
• Concealed carry
• Gun rights

Martial arts terms

Défense personnelle | הגנה עצמית | 護身術 | Samoobrona (walka) | Self-defense