Studies Show That People That Fight Back Get Hurt Less or Not At All
By Shawn Lebrock Published Oct. 21, 2024, 6:08p.m. ET
When confronted with violence, whether it’s an attempted assault, robbery, or attack, the decision to fight back can feel overwhelming. A common question arises: Do people who fight back get hurt less—or not at all? Studies and real-world experiences provide insight into the effectiveness of resistance, suggesting that in many cases, fighting back can reduce the severity of injury or stop an attack altogether.
The Power of Resistance
Fighting back doesn’t always mean engaging in physical combat; it can involve verbal resistance, assertiveness, or simply creating an opportunity to escape. But regardless of the form, resistance is often a powerful deterrent.
1. Surprise and Deterrence
Many attackers seek out victims they perceive as passive or unlikely to resist. When a person fights back—whether through physical means or verbal assertiveness—it disrupts the attacker’s plan. The surprise alone can cause the attacker to retreat. Attackers typically want to maintain control of the situation, and active resistance reduces their ability to do so.
In cases of sexual assault, research has shown that resistance, whether verbal or physical, can significantly lower the chances of an attack being completed. In fact, one study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that women who physically resisted sexual assault were more likely to avoid rape and suffered no greater injuries than those who didn’t resist. This illustrates that fighting back can reduce harm without necessarily escalating the situation.
2. Reduced Risk of Severe Injury
For some, the fear of being harmed more by fighting back can be a deterrent to resistance. However, studies consistently show that individuals who actively resist attackers—especially in cases of unarmed attacks—tend to suffer fewer or less severe injuries compared to those who do nothing. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, individuals who resist assault by using force are more likely to avoid injury than those who remain passive.
This is particularly true when people use effective self-defense techniques. A well-placed strike or escape maneuver can incapacitate an attacker long enough to flee or seek help.
Different Forms of Resistance
Resistance comes in many forms, and the type used can significantly impact the outcome of an attack.
1. Physical Resistance
Using physical self-defense techniques can empower a person to escape an attacker or stop an assault. Martial arts and self-defense training often emphasize targeting vulnerable areas of an attacker’s body, such as the eyes, throat, and groin, which can incapacitate or deter the attacker quickly. Those with training in self-defense are more confident in their ability to resist effectively and are more likely to fend off attackers with fewer injuries.
However, physical resistance also requires assessing the situation carefully. If an attacker is armed, or if physical force would escalate the danger, other forms of resistance may be more appropriate.
2. Verbal Resistance
Verbal resistance, such as shouting or firmly telling an attacker to stop, can also be an effective deterrent, especially if it draws attention to the situation. In some cases, the mere act of yelling or asserting boundaries might be enough to make an attacker reconsider their actions.
Verbal resistance is particularly important when the attacker is someone known to the victim, such as in cases of domestic violence or harassment. Setting clear boundaries and showing assertiveness can stop an incident before it becomes physical.
3. Situational Awareness
Prevention is one of the best forms of resistance. Situational awareness—being conscious of your surroundings and identifying potential threats early—can allow you to avoid a violent confrontation altogether. Recognizing red flags and trusting your instincts can give you the time to act preemptively, whether that means removing yourself from a dangerous situation or preparing to fight back.
When to Resist
While resistance can reduce the risk of harm, it’s important to recognize that not every situation calls for it. In some cases, compliance or de-escalation may be the safest response, particularly when an attacker is armed or intent on causing serious harm. The decision to resist or comply should depend on the specific circumstances and your assessment of the risks involved.
One of the best ways to prepare for these situations is through self-defense training. By learning both physical and mental strategies, individuals can make more informed decisions in the face of danger, increasing their chances of escaping without injury.
Training Makes a Difference
The ability to fight back effectively often depends on preparation. People who have undergone self-defense training are more likely to respond confidently and effectively in dangerous situations. Training provides individuals with practical techniques for defending themselves, as well as the mental preparedness to handle high-pressure situations.
Self-defense courses, such as those offered by organizations like the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense, focus on teaching not just physical techniques but also risk assessment, boundary setting, and de-escalation strategies. These skills equip participants to make informed choices about when and how to fight back.
Fighting Back Can Help, But It’s Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
In many cases, fighting back can reduce the risk of injury or prevent an attack altogether. Resistance, whether physical or verbal, often catches attackers off guard and disrupts their plans. However, the best response depends on the specific situation, and sometimes compliance may be the safer option.
Training in self-defense, along with developing strong situational awareness, provides individuals with the tools and confidence they need to make those crucial decisions when faced with violence. Ultimately, the goal is to increase personal safety, minimize harm, and, whenever possible, prevent violence before it escalates.
Several studies and reports have demonstrated that fighting back in certain situations can reduce the likelihood of injury or prevent harm. Here are a few key studies and surveys that support this claim:
1. Effectiveness of Fighting Back in Preventing Rape and Assault
According to a 2005 study funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, resistance can play a significant role in thwarting sexual assault. Women who used physical resistance (e.g., hitting or kicking) were able to successfully prevent the completion of rape in about 85% of cases.
Non-physical resistance strategies (like yelling or verbal rebuff) also showed effectiveness in deterring attackers. This study noted that women who actively resisted were significantly less likely to experience completed rapes than those who did not resist.
2. Self-Defense Reduces Injury Rates
A 2013 analysis by the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) found that people who used some form of resistance—whether physical or non-physical—experienced fewer injuries compared to those who complied or did nothing.
The survey showed that injuries were reduced by nearly 50% among those who used physical resistance compared to those who did not, suggesting that fighting back may deter attackers or disrupt the attack.
3. The Role of Self-Defense Training
Studies have found that individuals trained in self-defense feel more empowered to resist and are less likely to be injured during an assault. For example, women who took a ten-week self-defense course reported higher levels of confidence and reduced levels of fear.
These individuals also showed a greater likelihood of fighting back during an assault, which correlated with lower completion rates of assaults and sexual violence.
4. Psychological Benefits of Resistance
Resisting or fighting back is also associated with psychological benefits, as those who take action often report less emotional trauma compared to those who freeze or comply.
According to studies on post-traumatic responses, people who actively resist during an assault may experience less self-blame, which contributes to better long-term mental health outcomes.
5. Preventing Robbery and Property Crime Injuries
Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics show that unarmed resistance (such as running, shouting, or calling for help) can also reduce the success rates of robbery and property crimes. Those who resist or try to escape are less likely to have property taken and may avoid direct confrontations that lead to injury.
It’s important to note, however, that the success of resistance or fighting back depends on numerous factors, including the situation, the nature of the attacker, and the environment. While resistance can be an effective response for many, the choice of how to respond is always situational and personal.
While these studies don’t guarantee that fighting back will always prevent harm, they consistently show that active resistance can reduce the risk of injury and may prevent an attack from escalating. Fighting back, particularly with training and awareness, often puts individuals in a better position to protect themselves and escape.
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The Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD) offers a variety of public training programs designed to empower individuals with practical self-defense skills and violence prevention strategies. These classes are open to anyone looking to improve their personal safety, ranging from beginners to those with prior experience. The courses focus on a holistic approach to self-defense, covering essential topics like verbal de-escalation, situational awareness, and setting boundaries, alongside physical defense techniques. Participants are taught how to recognize and respond to potential threats while maintaining a calm and confident demeanor. Whether through workshops, seminars, or hands-on classes, CVPSD provides the tools and knowledge needed to navigate real-world scenarios safely and effectively. These public offerings ensure that people of all backgrounds have access to life-saving skills that can help prevent violence in their everyday lives.