He who strikes back is most severely punished, oftentimes. Unfortunately that is just a fact of life.

If you want an example, today I cut up an eraser (yeah, yeah, dumb, I know) and I was chucking pieces across the room hitting my friend in the back of the head. He retaliated by throwing a pen, and guess who the teacher sees? (Now I sound like an immature little idiot, but you see my point. It was pretty funny though )

I definately feel bad for the victim, as one can only be pushed so far until he can't take it anymore. I hardly blame him for slamming the bully, but when seen in the eyes of a teacher, it seems as if a big kid is beating on a little kid. Even if it was the big one getting bullied, it still looks bad, regardless of the words that had been exchanged before hand.