The 46-year-old Waiau woman found dead in her home on Monday suffered a "prolonged and violent assault" leading up to her death, police say.
Police are hunting Joanne Thompson's 43-year-old former partner, Ross Simon Fraser, who they believe may have taken to the bush.
Police launched their investigationon Monday after Ms Thompson's body was found in the bathroom of her North Canterbury home.
Police were called after neighbours reported her two children, aged four and six, wandering outside.
Detective Sergeant Rex Barnett today said a post-mortem had been completed on Ms Thompson, confirming she had suffered a "prolonged and violent assault".
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Long said today there had been no reported sightings of Fraser despite appeals to the public for information.
"He's known to be able to go bush for a while and survive on not much," Mr Long said.
Police have said Mr Fraser was considered dangerous and should not be approached.
They wanted to hear from anyone who had seen him or may have lent him a vehicle in recent days.
Mr Fraser is described as European, 1.7m tall, slim and with shoulder length scruffy hair.
