Listen carefully to her story, do not judge, and respond to her feelings. Be concerned about her safety or need for a safe place. Support the legitimacy of her getting away from the situation where she is in danger, but do not push her to leave or criticize her for not having left sooner. The danger level intensifies when she leaves the relationship. Recognize that she may feel she has failed as a wife, but she does not cause the abuse.
Nobody deserves to be hit.
Realize that if she stays in the relationship and her husband does not get help, the abuse will happen again and will get worse. Domestic violence increases in frequency and severity over time. Recognize that she may be very ambivalent. She probably loves her husband and it is quite possible that when he is not abusive he can be very loving toward her. Be aware that an abusive husband may have greatly damaged her self esteem and confidence in her ability to take care of herself and her children.