It is hoped making strangulation a specific offence in itself would help combat our high domestic violence rates.

The Law Commission has recommended the change, and the Government is strongly considering it.

Justice Minister Amy Adams said someone who is strangled by their partner is seven times more likely to be killed by them.

"We absolutely know that New Zealand's rates of family violence are unacceptably high, and if we're going to make a difference we have to change a huge amount of the system," Adams said.

"Strangulation in a domestic violence context is actually a really significant indicator of high-risk escalating behaviour."