[Lucysgirl]

AccyExplorer said: << ...For example, A (abusive) woman takes a knife to attack her partner (regardless of size) The women clearly has the upper hand in this situation, so why shouldn't the partner defend himself (with force if necessary)?>>

The first thing is to keep calm and speak in a lowered tone of voice to try to diffuse the situation and keep talking. She's probably right handed. If she tries lunging at you do what boxers do, feint to the left, then feint to the right and during that last move, quickly lift up your straightened left arm - aiming it at the inside of her right arm and keep swining your straight arm outwards away from your two bodies. The surprise factor and weight of your swinging straight arm should force her right arm (& thus the knife) away from you ........... then scarper.