Offhand Items +Defense vs. X Monster/Element

Confusing title, but anyway... in the "Importance of Positioning" Thread, it states that the defense bonus of a shield isn't taken into account if you're hit from behind. Now, I'm curious about items that have let's say "+6 Armour vs. Skeletons". Would that grant +6 Armour vs. skeletons globally like a +5 armour mod on a weapon, or would it require you to be hit from the front/side to gain the bonus?

It dont matter you still get the bonus