COMMON SENSE, SELF DEFENCE

It is important to understand how the Canadian Criminal Code defines self defence:

34.(1) Everyone who is unlawfully assaulted without having provoked the assault is justified in repelling force by force if the force he uses is not intended to cause death or grievous bodily harm and is no more than is necessary to enable him to defend himself.

(2) Every one who is unlawfully assaulted and causes death or grievous bodily harm in repelling the assault is justified if

(a) he causes it under reasonable apprehension of death or grievous bodily harm from the violence with which the assault was originally made or which the assailant pursues his purposes; and

(b) he believes, on reasonable grounds, that he cannot otherwise preserve himself from death or grievous bodily harm.

35. Everyone who has without justification assaulted another but did not commence the assault with the intent to cause death or grievous bodily harm, or has without justification provoked an assault on himself by another, may justify the use of force subsequent to the assault if

(a) he uses the force

(i) under reasonable apprehension of death or grievous bodily harm from the violence of the person whom he has assaulted or provoked and

(ii) in the belief, on reasonable grounds, that it is necessary in order to preserve himself from death or grievous bodily harm;

(b) he did not, at any time before the necessity of preserving himself from the death or grievous bodily harm arose, to endeavour to cause death or grievous bodily harm and

(c) he declined further conflict and quitted or retreated from it as far as it is feasible to do so before the necessity of preserving himself from death or grievous bodily harm arose.

36 Provocation includes, for the purposes of sections 34 and 35, provocations by blows, words or gestures.

37. (1) Everyone is justified in using force to defend himself or anyone under his protection from assault, if he uses no more force than is necessary to prevent the assault or the repetition of it.

(2) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to justify the wilful infliction of any hurt or mischief that is excessive, having regard to the nature of the assault that the force used was intended to prevent.

We all owe it to our family and friends to ensure they are safe.

Do not believe anyone that tells you that, with a few lessons in their self defence course, you will be able to handle most situations … especially if they only teach one aspect from the lists over these past couple of months.

Violence comes in many forms and many situations such as assaults in the streets, after a night of partying, in domestic situations and from complete strangers or friends and spouses.

It can be verbal, sexual or physical, including weapons such as a knife, a gun ,a club, etc.

And yes, it can be with someone you trust. Self defence is for yourself and others.

Knowledge is power and in many cases it can safe lives. Please use it.

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