Murdered Vic woman 'a victim of abuse'

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his wife, with police alleging she had been the victim of domestic abuse for years.

A woman found dead in her home was repeatedly abused by her ex-husband, a Melbourne court has heard. (AAP)

A woman found dead in her Melbourne home two years ago hid her husband's abuse from her parents because she didn't want to alarm them, a court has heard.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard Teresa Mancuso, 49, of Reservoir, had suffered abuse at the hands of Fernando Manuel Paulino for years.

Paulino, 53, has been charged with her murder.

He appeared via video link for a brief hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday where defence lawyer Tony Hargreaves said relationship evidence would be key to the matter.

"Unfortunately Teresa did not enjoy a happy relationship with Fernando," Mr Hargreaves told the court.

He said Mrs Mancuso's mother had made a statement that Mrs Mancuso had suffered abuse over the years, and that she hid it from her parents because she didn't not want to concern her father.

Magistrate Donna Bakos remanded Paulino into custody until his five day committal hearing which will begin on April 4 next year.