In my viewpoint when strictly talking about violent encounters in the outside world the term used should be self preservation and not self defense.
I think the main point is to be doing something. Be it a traditional martial art or a local short order IMPACT style program. No matter what direction you go you have to start getting your comprehension with the basics from somewhere.
After that the responsibility to address the truth is up to each and every individual on how they view the self preservation mindset.