The Law Commission last year recommended making non-fatal strangulation a separate offence to assault.

The Justice Minister is backing a Law Commission recommendation that non-fatal strangulation should become a specific crime.

Photo: SUPPLIED The Law Commission has also been asked to investigate a second aspect of domestic violence: non-fatal strangulation.

She says Government proposals to create new offences and tougher sentences for non-fatal strangulation and assault are just window dressing.

The Law Commission is recommending making non-fatal strangulation a crime separate to assault, and has strong backing from the government.

The Government should also consider a separate charge of non-fatal strangulation - which was often a precursor to a fatal assault, she said.