New 'domestic violence' charge for NSW

A specific charge of 'domestic violence' is being introduced across New South Wales today.

Until now police could only bring general assault charges against those involved in domestic incidents.

Attorney-General John Hatzistergos says introducing a specific charge will help the courts to identify repeat offenders of domestic violence.

"In the past, these offenders have had generic assault offences marked against them," he said.

"It's appropriate, we believe, to have them identified specifically as domestic violence offenders so that the court is able to take that into account in subsequent proceedings or sentences which involve also a domestic violence context."