No, a flashlight isn't an effective way of subduing a group of men. Even high lumens won't immobilize like a stun grenade.... What's more, displays of aggression only work when the instigator(s) can win.

I'm this group can bite as hard as they bark. So when harm passes one it's the equivalent of challenging not only the intended target, but their allies too. OP lives in the same area which means no violence.

Here's the issue with self defense weapons:

• Mentality: Some have never been in a physical fight. In real life people panic tho, especially those not used to fighting...

• No Training: Armed hands are worse than unarmed ones. Reason being, the other party will disarm you and proceed to use said object! Not only that, there's also the possibility of a participant carrying weight, an ice pick, or machete. That means you could wash up on a beach, turn up in a dumpster, etc.

• Numbers: In an actual street fight 1v1 requires focus. Anymore than that calls for an escape plan, since no rules govern the street. That means stomping is permitted... Sometimes people don't stop until their opponent bleeds or stops moving.