*Nods* Indeed, Vexing!
And in the NL, a true lady does the same. ^_^
As for hitting back: I've had an abusive childhood. As a 'male.' From that, I've learnt only one thing: If you intend to hurt me, I'll hurt you a hell of a lot more. Mind that this is after years and years. I think that if a weaker person willingly attacks a stronger person, then Darwin awards should be handed out, don't you agree? If a stronger person is the aggressor, then of course the weaker person must be protected. If the stronger person is the defender, then I think the idiot who started the attack will just have to reap what they sow.
There are other ways of solving a dispute than violence. Violence is only a last resort action, and only then in a situation where you have to defend yourself from physical harm.
Yes, I have, in my past, knocked out some women, as a born male. But if I get attacked, I will defend myself.
I'm sorry, but I too feel very strongly about concerns like this. At age 26, over a decade of my life has been nothing but violence.
And now I'll just shut up, because I'm starting to tear and tremble. Sorry if I was a bit too strong about this.