What is the ruling on a wife seeking divorce without her husband's knowledge if his violence is feared?

If a wife divorces her husband without his knowledge and consent, the divorce is invalid unless a judge or competent authorities rule it, based on the wife's suffering and the husband's refusal of the divorce. If the woman fears her husband's oppression and his refusal to divorce, she should refer her case to the official authorities for justice. It must be noted that it is not permissible for a woman to seek divorce initially without a legitimate legal justification.