If a girl hits a guy, does the guy have a right to hit her back?

[Alasted]

Okay, I think we all know who's going to grow up to be a wife-beater...

That sort of conflict usually has more options than a) hitting her and b) not hitting her. Why not just walk away, or seek legal recourse if necessary?

"She started it" isn't an excuse that flies well with the authorities.