In Jain Dharma, causing harm is always to be avoided, even in self-defense, because ahimsa is the highest principle.

However, Jain ethics also recognizes that a householder may face situations where immediate protection of life is necessary. In such cases:

• one should try to avoid violence first,
• use non-violent means if possible,
• and if absolutely unavoidable, act with minimum force, without hatred, anger, or cruelty.

So, from a Jain point of view:

• Intentional harm is not approved.
• Only the least necessary defensive action may be accepted in extreme worldly situations for a householder.
• A monk or nun follows a much stricter vow and should not engage in violence at all.

The ideal Jain response is: protect life with restraint, compassion, and the least possible injury.