The few people she did tell, didn't believe her.

"He was the chairman at our church, respected and well liked," she said. 'The problem with domestic abuse is that it is often hidden."

With her personal experience in mind, Christine (who asked not to have her surname published) is hoping a new family violence taskforce being developed at Croydon police station will save another family.

The unit - which will have an assigned sergeant, response vehicle and specially trained officers - is part of a statewide plan to improve police services and assistance to victims of violence. For Christine, who is still a Maroondah resident, it is welcome news and she believes it will give other women the confidence to report instances of violence.

Acting Inspector Graham Gooding of Croydon police said the taskforce was still in the planning stages but he hoped it would come into fruition by mid-year.

He said it was the idea of Ringwood police's Sergeant Darren Bishop, who believed the unit would save police resources.

"By establishing a taskforce dedicated to family violence it will provide better police response to victims and assist other operational units to go about other duties."

A Women's Health East report released last November revealed Maroondah was ranked second highest for domestic violence in the outer east, with 504 incidents reported in 2009-10. WHE board of governance member Marg D'Arcy said Maroondah had consistently rated among the highest in the state for instances of domestic violence against women.

Ms D'Arcy said the difficulty with family violence was that many victims had complex relationships with their abuser.

"They are often in continuing relationships, have children and may even be still in love with each other," she said.

Christine said in her case she was fearful for her safety and the welfare of her four children and endured physical, emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her husband.

"I was left with nothing. For me it's all about starting over again now and looking after the needs of my children," she said.

Anyone requiring assistance in a family violence situation can call Women's Health East, 88733700 , or dial triple-0 in an emergency.