A Hamilton woman screamed in pain for hours while her partner beat her, and even though her neighbours heard her screams, it took hours before anyone called for help, police say.



It wasn't until one neighbour had decided the screams had gone on for long enough that police were called early on Sunday morning.



The 28-year-old woman had allegedly endured a long beating by her partner, which had left her with fractured ribs, a fractured wrist, kidney damage, lacerations and bruising to her head.



Hamilton police believed the beating had occurred over several hours.



Her 25-year-old partner was arrested at the scene and faces a charge of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Hamilton Police said he was "lucky" to not be facing more serious charges.



"It appears from follow up investigations that a number of people heard the woman's screams on Saturday but no-one called police," City Area Commander Inspector Rob Lindsay said.



"Finally early Sunday morning one person had heard enough and called police. While we're grateful for this call we believe other people could have intervened far earlier in the piece."



Doing nothing is not OK, Lindsay said.



"How would they feel if it was their daughter, sister, mother or grandmother being subjected to this type of treatment and people stood by and did nothing?"



Hamilton police spoke last week about how people finding themselves in violent domestic situations should seek help at the earliest opportunity.



This week they said people who know what's going on should also seek help.



"It's not a case of being a nosy neighbour, in situations like this you could be a life saver."



People were urged to call 111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which you can do so anonymously.