Dead mum was domestic violence advocate (AAP)

AAP A Brisbane mother of three found dead in her lounge room had endured years of domestic violence.

A Brisbane mother found dead in her lounge room while two of her daughters slept nearby, had endured years of domestic violence.

The body of Anthea Mari, 34, was found by a male housemate in her Norman Park home, in Brisbane's inner-east, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Police want to speak with Ms Mari's friend, Jacob Michael Smith, who visited her in the hours leading up to her death.

As police continue their hunt for 38-year-old Smith, it has emerged Ms Mari suffered years of domestic violence and was trying to help other women in similar situations.

Ms Mari helped with an awareness campaign for community organisation Micah Projects, urging women experiencing domestic violence or homelessness to ask for help.

She revealed she had spent 15 years of her life in crisis, moving in and out of domestic violence refuges, couch-surfing with friends and relatives and even sleeping in her car while trying to raise her three daughters.

"Don't think you're the only one," Ms Mari said in a campaign leaflet.

"There are plenty of other women going through it, too.

"Don't be afraid to ask for help, because there is a lot of help available, a lot of resources for women and families."

Ms Mari's Facebook page also features posts about domestic violence and how much she loved her children.

Police haven't said Ms Mari's death was related to domestic violence and don't think Smith was an ex-partner.

However, Detective Inspector Rod Kemp said Smith visited Ms Mari's home about 90 minutes before police were called.

Police have released an image of Smith, described as 180cm tall, of average build and with dark hair.

The nature of Ms Mari's injuries was not revealed, but police said no weapon was involved.

Her two housemates, who did not hear anything, are co-operating with police, as they appeal for public information.

Two of Ms Mari's daughters, aged 11 and 12, were also sleeping in the house when she died.

A third daughter, aged 15, lives with her grandmother.

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