skier

Would you keep a friend who hits men? What's different about his girlfriend or even women in general that makes you come to this conclusion?

This situation sounds like both parties of the relationship are in the wrong. They are abusing each other, and while they are both technically "victims", it doesn't sound like she is a candidate for a battered women's shelter anymore than your friend is.

__________________
"Asking a bomb squad if an old bomb is still "real" is not the best thing to do if you want to save it." - denim