Prior offending link to domestic violence

The majority of domestic violence perpetrators have a history of crime, most commonly traffic offences, researchers have found.

The Australian Institute of Criminology on Tuesday released the findings of a study which analysed Tasmanian police records of offenders who committed family violence during the 2010/11 financial year.

"(It) showed that approximately two-thirds of (offenders) had been reported to the police for family violence offending and/or other types of offending during the preceding six year period," the report read.

Of the 1975 offenders and 2672 family violence incidents, the most common prior offences were: traffic (76 per cent), violence (45 per cent), disorder (44 per cent) and drink driving (43 per cent).

"Over a quarter had been reported to the police for both family violence offences and other offences during the preceding six year period.

"On average, prior offenders had been reported to and/or apprehended by police on 12 separate occasions within the preceding six year period."

Researchers said the results could have implications for the treatment and identification of domestic violence offenders.

"It may be beneficial if individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice system for non family-related violent offending are also routinely assessed for family violence offending."