Choking to become serious offence in bid to reduce DV

The offences, often a marker of the rising levels of violence in a relationship, had previously not been considered when an offender was released from prison.

The changes would lead to serious strangulation incidents being included under the definitions of "serious violence offence" and "serious sex offence".

This means the offences will be in the same category as crimes like murder, manslaughter, and intentionally or recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Applications will be able to be made to the NSW Supreme Court to prevent the release of an offender or seek an order of strict supervision if it is believed they pose an unacceptable risk of committing another serious offence.

Attorney-General Michael Daley said the offences of strangulation and choking had previously been overlooked by the system.

"We know that men - and let's call it out as men - who choke their partners are a much higher risk of going on to kill them and there have been some very sorry and tragic cases that have been reported over this year," he told Sydney radio 2GB on Wednesday.

Police Commissioner Karen Webb said people in violent relationships were at particularly high risk of strangulation.

"We welcome any changes that will protect victims," she said.

A NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team report previously pointed to research as demonstrating a link between strangulation and domestic homicide.

More than a quarter of intimate-partner homicides involve the abuser having strangled the victim during a prior attack.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the changes would send a strong message to abusers.

"The fact is domestic and family violence is a pervasive scourge on our society, the trauma not only impacts the victim, but their family, friends and the entire community," she said.

"Strangulation and choking must be taken extremely seriously and that's what this government is doing."

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Australian Associated Press