The guide says the issue isn't just physical but

The first national guidelines for the judiciary on domestic violence has urged judges to look at traits beyond physical violence when granting a restraining order, such as 'mind games'.

The bench guide book states that domestic violence does not just include physical attacks but can include verbal abuse, criticism of their partner's physical traits or refusing to show affection.

The guide was welcomed by NSW Domestic Violence ambassador and survivor Kay Schubach, 51, who told the Daily Telegraph it was long overdue.

The first national guidelines for the judiciary on domestic violence has urged judges to look at traits beyond physical violence when granting a restraining order (stock image)

The guide comes after the latest report of the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team found judges used 'victim-blaming' language that minimised domestic violence.

One judge used the term 'yummy mummy complex' in a case where a woman became a meticulous housekeeper after being under the psychological control of her abuser.

The guide said social abuse could include criticism of their partner's obsessive housework duties and emotional and psychological abuse included 'angry verbal outbursts, staring, silence, ignoring and withdrawal of affection'.

It warned the judiciary to focus on all elements of family abuse, including a 'complex pattern of violent or abusive behaviours' which could be physical or psychological.

The guide follows a report which found judges to be using sexist terms such as 'yummy mummy complex' (stock image)

The report found that members of the judiciary described stalking behaviours as the abuser 'making a nuisance of himself' and used mutualising language such as 'volatile' or 'stormy' relationship despite a long history of violence against the victim.

Judges also described relationships as 'happy' and 'normal' despite evidence of domestic violence forming part of their remarks in sentencing.

It was revealed that variations of the remarks were evident in a number of cases, and 'served to minimise perpetrator accountability for violent behaviours.'

The report found that members of the judiciary described stalking behaviours as the abuser 'making a nuisance of himself' and used mutualising language despite a violent history

The terminology was used by judges delivering sentences in the NSW Supreme Court and the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal.

New anti-domestic violence laws mean victims of family abuse need not prove fear for their physical safety to get an AVO.

Almost 30,000 cases of domestic violence were recorded this year.