A Sydney woman who stabbed and killed her abusive former partner has been handed a suspended sentence.

In May 2012, 24-year-old Jessica Silva repeatedly stabbed James Polkinghorne on the street outside her parents' home in Marrickville.

She had moved back in with her parents two months beforehand after Mr Polkinghorne, the father of her child, put her through years of physical abuse.

It was Mother's Day, and she was hysterical after talking to her drug-affected ex, telling her father she was convinced he was on his way to kill her.

The court heard he was taking a lot of ice in the weeks leading up to the fatal attack.

Mr Polkinghorne, 28, arrived at Silva's parents' house and punched her in the face. She reacted by stabbing him.

She was found guilty of manslaughter in December last year.

Silva cried as Justice Clifton Hoeben talked about the ongoing physical abuse she had suffered at the hands of her ex, who was a suspected drug dealer.

The judge said it was only in the most exceptional of circumstances that a manslaughter conviction would not result in a custodial sentence.

Justice Hoeben said this case fits that category, given Silva had no criminal record, was a good mother, was acting in self-defence and had shown remorse.

"Her demeanour in court leaves me no doubt that she is contrite," he said.

When he announced that her sentence would be fully suspended, meaning she would avoid jail unless she commits another offence, Silva broke down in tears.

Her family showed their relief by sobbing loudly.

As she walked from the court, the 24-year-old allowed her lawyer Adam Houda to speak on her behalf.

"There are no winners in tragedy," he said.

"My client has had to endure the most extreme forms of physical, verbal and psychological abuse.

"In that light the sentence imposed today (Friday) was an appropriate one. It's now time for healing."