Krav Maga is an easily learned universal self defense system originally designed for the Isreali Military Defense Forces by Imi Lichtenfield and Moni Aizik.
There are deadly aspects to the system (it's not an art), and one can use them when the need arises. The defensive aspects are equally profound. You needn't hurt anyone using Krav Maga, but you can end them in a heartbeat if you must. I suggest you learn the basics. Buy the book "Krav Maga for Beginners" by Darren Levine (I believe that was one of the authors names, if I remember correctly). It's a good book to get you started and doesn't contain any material designed to kill people in it; it's just the basics.