Wow, that sounds like a very difficult situation. I'm far from an expert in these situations, but you might think of this in terms of worst case scenarios on either side. From what you said, if you call the cops, the worst case scenario is that you lose this friendship, and the abusive husband loses his job (which isn't your problem).
If you don't, the worst case scenario is that she will continue to suffer abuse and may even be seriously injured.
In that case, I think you need to call the police. She may be angry at you, but it's still the right thing to do. She's afraid to do it herself because to in her mind her husband has ultimate power over her, and she can't imagine a structure of authority that could protect her from him. But once the wheels get in motion, she may discover that she can live apart from him on her own--though that may at first be difficult. You might not be friends anymore, but you will have helped her move her life in the right direction.
That's my 2 cents. Although I'd try to convince her to report him herself first--and offer any support and protection she feels that she needs in the meantime.
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