Does getting closer to a swinging object reduce impact?

[shannon wilson]

If someone swings at you with a stick/bat/whatever and you come in close before the stick reaches to its climax of swing power, does it reduce the impact/pain on the person? After you have done that you would defend yourself e.g. punch, kick them. If you try and get away, you are moving further away from the start of the swing so there is more power behind it therefore it would inflict more pain on the person.
My brother thinks I'm a 'dumbass' for thinking this so please give me some answers
(If you are getting attacked by someone with a stick/bat/whatever) I probably should have mentioned that!