Being a genuine scoundrel at times, I have been on more than one side of situations where men just have to be men, regarding 'rights' or whatever they call their relationship rules.

I've seen physical and emotional and mental abuse happening, and at times I've stood in between the people and forced a different resolution to come about than either person could manage. Dynamics of relationships has a lot to do with it; changing the dynamics is easier for an outsider than for an insider. Raw power and real ammunition with real weapons also came into play, but rarely. In any case of abuse there would be no escape/resolution without a person taking a stand and risking life and limb.
"Rescue" from such situation also requires a person to really be there, and commit to seeing the situation thru to a workable end. In loving truly, after that point, freedom of choice is given and made feasible, so that the newly discovered person can choose their destiny.