Crystal Selwyn had recently become a grandmother when she was fatally assaulted.

A mother-of-eight, who died three days after being beaten in her home, was a strong woman whose life revolved around her children, a relative says.

Police have launched a homicide inquiry after Crystal-Lee Selwyn, 38, died in hospital on Tuesday.

Whānau were rallying around Selwyn's six youngest children, who watched their mother being assaulted, said sister-in-law Stephanie Peeni​.

Everyone had "prayed for a miracle", after Selwyn was rushed to hospital following the assault on Saturday night.

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Reuben Paul Peeni, 36, the father of Selwyn's youngest children, was arrested at the scene and appeared in Hamilton District court on Monday, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was remanded in custody without plea to reappear on December 2. Charges will be reviewed before the appearance, police said in a statement.

GIVEALITTLE Mother-of-eight Crystal Selwyn was a strong woman whose kids were "everything to her".

The children had initially gone to a motel following the incident, but were being looked after by family.

Givealittle pages have been set up to support the grieving whānau as they arrange a tangi and raise Selwyn's six younger children, with Christmas fast approaching.

"Every cent will go towards helping raise Crystal's children while they mourn the loss of their beautiful mama," Peeni wrote on he page she created.

Selwyn was declared brain dead shortly after arriving to hospital. She died after life support was removed on Tuesday, surrounded by family and friends.

"When life support was turned off it was just so hard to believe," Peeni told Stuff. "Because she's just such a strong tough person. Everyone thought she'd get through, but the injuries were just that bad."

Peeni described Selwyn as a beautiful, strong mother with a big heart, who was adored by her children.

"She just spent so much time with them. Her kids were everything to her.

GIVEALITTLE Crystal Selwyn was a mother to eight children.

"Crystal was so proud of those kids, everything that they did.

"She never missed a [sports] game. She was someone that you look up to as a mother."

Selwyn had recently become the grandmother of a baby boy, too.

She was a popular and hugely cherished woman whose death would affect a huge number of people, Peeni said.

"Crystal was unapologetically herself, all the time. To anybody. That's what everybody loved about her. If she had something to say she would say it.

"She would never shy away or be intimidated by anything. She was just herself."​

Violence against women was never OK and had resulted in tragedy, Peeni said.

She questioned why more neighbours hadn't stepped in when they heard screams from the house.

"We need to be loud about it and not just brush it under the rug.

"Crystal can still have a voice through her family, through other people."

TOM LEE/STUFF Police and forensic staff were seen investigating the Hamilton home throughout Sunday.

Police said no-one else is being sought in relation to the assault.

"This is a tragic incident for Crystal-Lee's family, and we are ensuring they receive the appropriate support," police said in a statement.

"If you, or someone you know, is at physical or emotional risk, please let someone know."

Selwyn's death comes during White Ribbon week and National Network Family Violence Services chairman Takarua Tawera urged people to call out violence.

"There is always a choice to behave differently. Every person – and especially men – is capable of engaging in appropriate behaviour. It is everyone's responsibility to support them with that."

He said harsh judgement of someone who used violent behaviours was not helpful.



"We want to challenge the behaviours – not the person. We know that people who use violence can also be loving, good men but we need to support them during critical times when anger and violence takes control."