Advice Column: Can I punch this woman in the face?

Dan

Scenario:  I am 6’1 and 226 pounds and a student athlete at a well-known college with better than average strength. After a verbal confrontation (she started it!) a woman shoved me twice and slapped me. Can I punch her in the face? Is punching her in the face part of women being equal?

Answer:   Let’s walk through this together. If you have only been shoved and slapped, it does not seem that you are in any immediate danger. There is no weapon present, and given your size and physical conditioning, I doubt the shove and slap have hurt anything other than your pride. Even if she started the altercation, please understand that no person has the right to assault another, so no, assaulting a woman is not part of women’s equality in any way, and physically assaulting a woman does not make you a woman’s rights advocate. Now, that being said, fortunately, you have the opportunity to avoid further confrontation. Here are some things you can do: You can leave the facility immediately. You can call the police and press charges (as you were assaulted). You can notify your coach and school immediately of this altercation and put this matter to rest as soon as possible. I hope this helps. Whatever you do, don’t punch that girl in the face. Aside from the obvious legal issues, real men don’t hit women. You could really hurt her, and you know that. Discipline and self-control are real strength. Set a good example and do your school and yourself proud. ​