A man has been charged with murder following the discovery of a woman’s body in northern Victoria.

John Torney, a 39-year-old Cobram man, was charged with intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, common law assault, aggravated assault of a female and unlawful assault, Victoria Police said.

It came after the body of 49-year-old Emma Bates was found in a Cobram property on Tuesday. She and Torney were reportedly in a relationship.

The investigation began on Monday afternoon when emergency services were called to the property.

Bates’ family released a photograph of her and said she was “always helping someone”, including dropping food to her elderly neighbour.

They told the Nine Network she had dealt with health issues throughout her life, and used a mobility scooter to get around.

“Despite all her health challenges she had the biggest heart of anyone we know,” the family statement said.

“She was always helping someone, giving lifts to people who needed it. The list goes on.

“She was the crazy cat-lady aunt. She had her rescues that she treated like her babies. Her home decor was all cat-inspired.

“Emma wasn’t blessed with children but was a proud aunty to her 17 nieces and nephews.

“They were her pride and joy and she would spend hours talking about them to everyone. She had many of their faces tattooed to her leg so she could carry them with her always.”

Detectives are still working to establish the exact circumstances of Bates’ death.

Torney faced an out-of-sessions court on Wednesday night and is expected to front the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Bates is the 26th woman to die from gender-based violence in Australia this year. All but two have been at the hands of men, according to violence prevention organisation Our Watch.

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-with AAP