Earlier today I was sitting with my wife’s family and I overhear my nephew say “Jax you can’t do that, it’s illegal to hit a girl!” and that got me thinking. Is it really illegal to hit a girl? I’ve never really thought about it. So I went and did some digging and this is what I found out!
If you were to hit a girl out of anger or as an act of aggression, it is considered battery and illegal. But it isn’t illegal to hit a girl if she were to strike you first and you hit her back in self-defense. Depending on the situation it might be better to use alternative methods in defending yourself if at all possible!
That’s almost what I was thinking the law would say! Keep reading to understand this a little bit better.
So, Why Can’t Boys Hit Girls?
No matter where you grew up you’ve probably heard “boys are not supposed to hit girls” and that’s a valid response.
Many people may believe that it is because girls are physically weaker and can’t defend themselves as well, but that is not the case.
Others think it’s out of respect for women, which is also true but not the whole story.
The main reason is that society has historically viewed men as the dominant gender and this is often used as a justification for violence against women. By teaching boys not to hit girls we are breaking away from these harmful gender stereotypes and promoting equality.
It’s important to remember that anyone, regardless of gender, has the right to defend themselves in a situation. But it is also important to understand the difference between self-defense and assault and to always consider alternatives before resorting to physical violence.
When Is It Okay to Hit A Girl?
Now I will go ahead and say that I’ve never been in a situation where it has made me need to decide if I was going to hit a girl or not. Though these are what I would assume are acceptable reasons to hit a girl if at last resort necessary.
Self Defense
If a girl were to hit you first, it is okay to defend yourself and hit her back.
Defense of someone else: If a girl is attacking someone else, it is okay to intervene and use physical force if necessary.
An example of this could be if you’re at home and your girlfriend starts coming up and punching you in the face. Yes, you can defend yourself and hit her back. Or if a girl is attacking someone else, it is okay to intervene and use physical force if necessary.
It is important to note that violence is never the answer and should always be the last resort. It is also important to consider the severity of the situation before responding with physical force.
Corporal Punishment
In the US it is legal to use corporal punishment when punishing children. This is often seen as spanking or hitting with a hand or object.
Some people may argue that it is not okay for a man to hit a girl in this case because of her physical weakness, but it is important to remember that discipline is about teaching and not causing harm. Whether it is a boy or a girl, physical force should only be used in strict moderation and never with the intention to harm.
Try to use these tips to make sure you don’t cross the line:
- Never punish when angry
- Don’t use more than 3 swats
- Don’t ever use unitizes, should be with an open hand
Physical Sports
Let’s say you’re in the wrestling group and you have to face a girl on the opposing team, is it okay to hit her? Yes! It is because this is a controlled and mutual sport where both parties are agreeing to physical contact.
It is important to remember that consent is key in all situations. If the girl on the opposing team does not want to be physically contacted or struck, it is not okay.
The Consequences of Hitting A Girl…
Hitting a girl is not only morally wrong, but it is also illegal if not done in self-defense and can lead to serious consequences.
First, hitting someone is considered assault and can result in jail time or fines. Additionally, it is seen as domestic violence if the person you hit is your significant other or family member. This could lead to restraining orders and loss of custody rights.
Here are a few states examples if you were to be charged with battery:
- California: Battery is defined as any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another. The punishment for battery in California can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, but it is generally punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and imprisonment in a county jail for up to six months.
- Texas: Battery is defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person. The punishment for battery in Texas can range from a fine of up to $500 and imprisonment in a county jail for up to six months for a Class A misdemeanor, to a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment in a state prison for up to 10 years for a third-degree felony.
- Florida: Battery is defined as intentionally touching or striking another person against their will or causing bodily harm to another person. The punishment for battery in Florida can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, but it is generally punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year for a first-degree misdemeanor. For a third-degree felony, the punishment can include a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment in a state prison for up to five years.
Not only are there legal consequences, but hitting someone can also have long-term effects on the person you hit. It can lead to physical injury and emotional trauma that can affect them for the rest of their lives.
It’s also important to understand that laws change and these might not be the most up-to-date laws. Always check your state’s website to see the most up-to-date information.
Finding Better Ways of Self Defense
Unless a girl is holding a gun up to your head, you might be able to find a better way of controlling the situation instead of just decking a girl that is pushing you around.
- Try talking it out
- Walk away and remove yourself from the situation
- Find someone to intervene or call for help
- Take self-defense classes to learn how to defend yourself without causing harm
In the end, it is never okay to hit a girl – or anyone. Finding alternative ways of handling conflicts is always the best option. Remember, physical harm is never the answer. Stay safe and be mindful of your actions.
Conclusion
Hitting a girl puts you on a thin line whether it’s self-defense or not, you should always strive to handle the situation with caution and find alternative methods. Remember, physical harm is never the answer and can have severe consequences both legally and emotionally for all parties involved. Stay safe and be mindful of your actions.
