I break self-defence into 3 parts A B C
A.
Awareness or Avoidance
When I teach Karate or self-defence classes I always stress that awareness is The most 
important part of keeping yourself safe.
important part of keeping yourself safe.Be aware of your surrounding’s, the people around you and possible dangers in your area. Watch out for reflections, shadows and following footsteps and if confronted be aware of your opponent’s actions (body language etc.).
Avoid potential danger areas and possible conflicts, dark unlit secluded areas are a big no. Avoid people who attract trouble… eg. 1. avoid a bar where there tends to be trouble 2. avoid that friend who continuously gets into fights (and its never their fault) 3. Never go to that bar with this particular friend.
B.
Bargain or Barter
If confronted try to talk your way out of trouble and offer a possible solution by bargaining your possible attacker… make yourself human to them. There is no point losing your life for a little money so if you think by giving it to them will stop an attack do it.
C.
Conflict or Confrontation
So you couldn’t avoid a situation and the bargaining didn’t work you may have to put your fighting skills to work, this sometimes cannot be avoided and you must do what is necessary to keep yourself safe using reasonable force… but remember, YOU COME FIRST ! My Theory is .. “id rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6” so do what you have to do.
As you can see A. is very important and you may have to use B. if it cant be avoided and C. should only be used if A. and B. doesn’t work and as a last resort.