What if Venus were Mars and Mars were Venus?

Lately I have been surrounded by guys whose girlfriends are so bossy, rude and offensive to them that I simply couldn't believe my ears. As a reaction, guys become submissive and too scared to do/say/think/move/breathe/show any feeling (or any sign of life at all).  Last night I got a text from a male friend saying: "Sorry I totally ignored you the other day. My girlfriend is jealous and I am trying hard not to do anything that may annoy her." My first reaction was: "Oh, poor guy!", my second one was: "Excuse me??!" Life is made of compromises, fair enough. It is also true that the connection I have had with this guy was a very special one. I can understand that people may be jealous of their significant other (are they still significant at this point?). But...is it really that hard to have a balanced relationship? One in which two people are friends before being partners/lovers/parents? One in which guys are not scared and women are not a pain in the arse (or the other way around, whichever you prefer).

Please tell me it's possible. Tell me it doesn't only happen in Jane Austen's books. Let's start a petition against psychologic violence on men. Or against guys who cannot stand up for themselves. And I am not being sexist here. 

It's a crazy world! If all of the above options fail please, please, please start a petition in favor of those of us who believe that all is not lost.