Is it permissible for a wife to call the police for protection from her husband who beats her severely, even to the point of bleeding?

A husband must treat his wife with kindness, and it is not permissible for him to beat her severely enough to draw blood. If he does so, he is sinful. If the husband persists in this action, the wife is permitted to seek divorce to remove the harm, and she is permitted to inform the police for her protection. However, it is preferable to first approach an Islamic body, such as the "Islamic Forum" in London, to attempt reconciliation. If the beating continues and the wife does not wish to divorce, there is no harm in informing the police, while avoiding unjust penalties.