What would you do in this situation? For guys.

If someone EVER touched my old mother, they would not be long for this world. I'm normally a passive person, I have to let all kinds of abuse slide off my back on almost a daily basis, but if someone hurt my mother, especially if they punched her, i'd use their head as a speedball, or at least give them a good shove. I am a fairly big guy so that usually is enough. You did the right thing, and I believe the law allows you to defend yourself (within reason) if you are attacked.

I understand how it must have been difficult for you though; most of us men have been conditioned to never even consider laying a hand on a girl in anger for any reason which is normally quite correct. I would like to know at what point that line is crossed, where you can be allowed to protect yourself.

Jam it back in, in the dark.