Self defence regarding a potentially life-threatening encounter?

Question

I, like probably many other females, am sexually intimidated/taunted (shall we say) by men everyday from their cars, on the street. Sometimes it gets a little scary. I live in a big city and carry, at least one of two weapons when I'm out alone--yup, I am fully aware I'm a little paranoid here :0).

Anyway, I've always wondered what would happen if one these guys tried to grab me into their car or try and cart me away, but before anything could happen to me, I instinctively spray the guy with my mase or cut them....and end up blinding them or, gawd forbid, killing them.

Would I go to jail if there was just intent on their part before I was harmed in the encounter? Is this a clear case of self defence?

For all you law experts, this might be a ridiculous question. So, could you please share your wisdom....without pointing out my, uhhhh, obvious lack of knowledge in this area?

Sorry this question ended up being so darned long...

:-)
:-)

I'm in Canada, if that helps. No self defence law in Washington State? Wow.

Thanx for all the info everyone!!!

Dragon: Hi! Yes, this is why I ask. There would be no "escape later" if I was physically confronted. Not in my case. I would be aiming for the same body part as you and it would be him or me. Fight to the death, if need be. Always wondered about the consequences though (not that I'd really care at the time), but all these wonderful answerers have given me all and more info than I was hoping to get. Thanx all!!

Shabarak: Loved the bit about "only a dead snake can't bite". Great advice, as usual. You have such a way with words, my friend :-) :-). Humorous, wise, and unforgettable.

BTW, Dragon, you're hilarious. You always state things so intensely, I suspect you don't even know how funny you can be. Love your personality my Y!A friend :-).

Thanx Numbsain. I appreciate your insight...and humour as always :-)

Answer 1

In Canada you can use whatever force is necessary to defend yourself from an assault (this is outlined directly in the criminal code). The force must be reasonable and you will be held responsible for any excesses.

You can use whatever force (including force likely to result in death or serious bodily harm) if you believe you are in imminent danger of death or bodily harm. Someone trying to abduct you will likely result in one or both of these, so do whatever you have to do to get away. The only thing you need to remember is to articulate this to the police if it ever (God forbid) happens.

"I feared death or serious bodily harm from this person and I used ______ on him"

Answer 2

Waste the Motherfunker! You will not be imprisoned for defending yourself. No man has any business touching or approaching you in a way that could be considered threatening in a place where you have no support. I would never do that to a woman in a million years and anybody who does either has bad intentions or is so stupid that he is a danger to us all. Go for the jugular and do not hesitate.

You might also be aware of your body language and make sure you are not making yourself more vulnerable or susceptible with some subtle mannerism. Not that it's your fault certainly but just that you might be able to do something a little different to improve your odds of being safe.

When I'm in a bad neighborhood late at night I've been told I have a look of: "Go ahead, make my day sucker, I eat punks like you for breakfast and if you so much as..." well, you get the idea. I don't recommend that one for you but maybe something along the lines of: "There are 6 snipers on these rooftops with nothing but your ugly a ss in their sights. wanna find out how good they are?"

Answer 3

Before I look at the answers, I want to say this. Wherever you live, whatever the laws or inclinations--if you have to defend yourself, DO IT. You can deal with the consequences later, but at least you'll be alive. Isn't that the first, & only choice? I've been there & came within a megasecond of shooting someone. I didn't really care, would have preferred a certain area of his body, & I'm a good aim, but you absolutely must save yourself. Too many women have hoped to "escape" later. They wind up mangled in some deserted place, or in parts, in the trunk of a stolen car. It has to be immediate. Go for it! Laws depend on where you live, ensuring that you live is universal.

Answer 4

Good question Zenlife! I do think it has become blurred with kicking someone's butt in some different and undefined way. Many young folks seem to be of the opinion that some kind of a "fair"fight can be had on the street. Self defence simply means protecting yourself or another in order to survive when attacked. In a defence situation, which can be life-or-death, escape and survival are the order of the exercise. There is no "winning"in a defence situation, only survival, and hanging around to "win" such a "fight" leaves the defender in peril much longer. I have been involved in some way or other with martial art for a long time, and I still hope I never again have to defend myself, for my own sake, and for that of my attacker(s). Regards. J

Answer 5

The laws, and court judgements, vary between places and times. But you should feel no personal guilt about any harm you might do to anyone who threatens to harm you. If you killed a wild and dangerous animal would you feel guilt? Of course not. A dangerous human being, who has choice an animal hasn't, is far less worth sympathy. The first rule of life is - survive! So, if you can escape, run. If you can't, then fight with whatever you've got, and remember that only a dead snake can't bite. And by the way, you can put yourself in increased danger if you flee ineffectually.

Answer 6

If i felt threatened, i'm gonna throw a beat down.
I'm a MP and i'm paranoid of that beyond belief.
If someone grabs you with an intent to harm (which is inherently obvious that a strange man grabbing you has) it is completely justifiable for you to defend yourself using spray or a knife. Just be careful with the knife because that could be considered a "concealed weapon" which is illegal in most states (except alaska...)

Answer 7

I don't know about Canada, but in the US there is no clear guideline for evaluating cases like this. Factors that are considered are:

1. how severe and imminent was the threat?
2. did you have any other option (running away, yelling, etc.)?
3. was the force level you used justified by the threat?

For example, if a guy put his hand on your shoulder and said "come with me" and you attacked him with your mace, that would violate #3. On the other hand, if he actually pushed you into his car, it wouldn't.

Answer 8

In claiming self defense, the following must first be established:

A. Is there really a threat (life threatening)
B. Was your aggressor armed
C. Was there anybody (Police or Civilian) around that you could seek help
D. During the attack, was there no other way of avoiding or escaping the perpetrators

Answer 9

I don't know Canadian law. In the case you describe, I would use the " better to be judged by 12 than be carried by 6" rule. In other words, protect yourself first, and worry about the law later.

Answer 10

there would be questions about you doing possible deadly force before you were hurt. Just remember your ultimate defense as a woman was you were afraid for your life. Courts are very understanding and have lots of presedents of woman reacting soley out of fear.