New NSW judges for child sex assault cases

It's hoped the stress of going to court will be reduced for child sexual assault victims in NSW with the appointment of two specialist District Court judges.

Barristers Jennie Girdham SC and Catherine Traill will undergo intensive training for the pilot program before being sworn in later this month.

Child sexual assault trials make up nearly 60 per cent of sexual assault proceedings before the NSW District Court each year.

Attorney General Gabrielle Upton says the new appointments will make it easier for victims to move through the justice system, in a process that can be extremely traumatic for young people.

"These specialist judges, with their experience and expertise, will reduce the stress and trauma experienced by victims and help bring offenders to justice," Ms Upton said.

The judges have also been invited to join the Child Sexual Assault Taskforce convened by the state government, which earlier this year raised the maximum sentence for sexual intercourse with a child under 10 from 25 years to life in jail.