How do you keep a woman from being beat up by her husband when police dont act.?

it really sucks having to hear the stories of a family member who keeps getting beat down. shes afraid to leave. she has children, the nearest abuse shelter is in another county. several fam members are poised to retaliate with violence but this will only cause her more harm in the future. he hits and kicks her in the private areas so there will be no visible bruises. he has the children with him and he has thrown them around in the past. where can she turn? she needs affordable housing for her and her 2 boys.