Unfortunately, in this part of the country this would rank as a minor altercation. I suppose that is a whole other discussion, but a couple shots to face and kick to the back is probably as good as your going to get if you were ever involved in this type of situation. The words "brutal", "savage" or "physically sickening" are massive over statements as this ranks so low on the totem pole of violent attacks, it's really par for the course.
Its a lot tougher than a simple should I intervene and throw myself into a situation I know nothing about. Sure, it's probably your typical BS, but you never know. I knew a guy who thought he was taking the high road in a similar situation years ago helping a guy out who was getting his ass kicked far worse than this and he took a knife to the gut for his troubles and it turned out the guy he was helping was getting his ass kicked because he beat the shit out of some woman.