[fwdude]

So if someone sprays silly string on me, even on purpose, I can haul off and hit them in the face as hard as I can?

That's assault, depending on the context and surroundings. And, given you aren't in a lefty-lib cesspool of a state, you can defend yourself against an assault. Here in Texas, you would probably be no-billed for doing so, given that you're not at a birthday party where silly string is being passed out and you are present by consent.

[bubbacluck]

Even if I was in Texas, if someone sprayed silly string on me I can guarantee you that my first reaction will not be to sucker punch a woman.

Now if she's coming at me with a baseball bat all bets are off.

[Kirkwood]

Are you a pig?

[Altariel]

Striking a woman is assault. Yet you are defending it, because the police-gods are sinless and would *never* engage in wickedness.

How progressive of you to suggest that it was the *woman* who is really to blame for the temerity of being the victim of a crime.