There was nothing the woman could have done... No one pumps gas with a gun in their hands while scanning the area around them constantly unless they’re in a war zone.
The United States is NOT a war zone.
If the criminal lowlife was locked away he would not have decked her. That’s what needs to happen. He committed a violent crime - he needs to be in prison.
You need to read LouieL”Amour Westerns. One can learn a lot from them. If you notice, they all pick on the weak. They are cowards, but a coward can kill you.