NSW domestic abusers to be targeted

Domestic abusers in NSW have been put on notice before a statewide crackdown, as the government and police drive home the message that violence is never the victim's fault.

Repeat domestic violence offenders are to be targeted after a police trial that's put four of the state's worst in jail.

The new program, which places repeat domestic abusers under constant surveillance, was trialled in the St George area in Sydney's south during the past five months.

Nine of the 13 offenders were charged and almost a third were placed behind bars.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said domestic violence was an intolerable evil that claimed far too many lives.

Mr Scipione said keeping high-risk offenders under constant covert and overt surveillance would allow officers to intervene before they commit another offence.

"We need to continue to do all we can to stop people from doing this to those that they care for, love, those that are part of their family, friends, those that matter," he told reporters in Sydney.

Premier Mike Baird said perpetrators of domestic violence should consider themselves on notice.

"We want every perpetrator, or potential perpetrator, in NSW to know that we are watching you," he said.

"We also want them to know that what they are doing is completely and utterly unacceptable."

The statewide rollout coincides with a confronting ad campaign that raises awareness about domestic violence.

Mr Scipione said domestic violence was arguably the state's most under-reported crime and needed to be tackled head on.

"It's not your fault if you're a victim. It's never the victim's fault," he said.

"People die to domestic violence far too often, far too often.

"In NSW, about one a fortnight. If (this ad campaign) saves one life, then it's all been worth it."

Deputy Premier Troy Grant said domestic abuse should never be considered normal.

"Domestic violence has existed and risen because there's been too much silence on the issue," he said.

"Well, the silence stops here."