Assaults are a type of personal violence offence. In NSW, there are a number of different offences that are included in the class of assault. Assault offences are serious and can result in periods of imprisonment.
What Is The Definition Of Assault?
An assault in NSW is defined as any act — and not a mere omission to act — by which a person intentionally, or recklessly, causes another to apprehend immediate and unlawful violence. This is defined in Case law and is known as Common Law Assault.
Under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), an assault includes both the apprehension of unlawful violence, as well as, the physical act of violence, referred to as ‘battery’.