I'm confused, you say reacting against violence is a moral obligation, but that clearly isn't the case.
I'm in my mid 40's, let's say I'm walking in the park and three 12 year olds start making fun of me; you think it's best to go and have an argument with them? Surely, recognising the hormonal imbalance of these young people, and not engaging them will lead to better outcomes for them, and probably for you.
Sometimes it's better to recognise other people's behaviour as irrational and just give them a pass, being obliged to respond will make the world much worse.
Sometimes the best defense is not to aknowledge the attack. When it comes to children then it is particularly relevant that we should lead by example. Plus, when it comes to children then it is not your responsibility to correct them. If their parents are around then they should be informed of their childrens actions.
Defending against an attack is by definition, acknowledging and reacting to it. Thats not the same as ignoring the attack. In the example of the kids, defending would be explaining to them that they are being unkind, or putting your fingers in your ears. Ignoring them is walking on by with no response.
It need not be children in the park, it could be a person in a car hooting their horn at you in traffic, you dont need to respond to that, just mark that person up as a nutter. You could start honking back, give them some gestures, or even get out and start remonstrating with them, but none of those choices will have any significant effect on the heavy traffic, or that persons impatience, which are the root causes of their behaviour. Should they be attacking you for situations beyond your control, no absolutely not, but there isnt a damn thing you can do about it.
Im just concerned with the statement of 'obligation', we are not obliged or duty bound to defend against attacks. If we all start responding to all attacks, the world will go to shit pretty quickly.
Im not tearing down your post, honestly. I just cant stand by and see people told they are obliged to attack others in response to violence, and that that is a morally acceptable solution.