Australian-first legislation came into force on Monday that now allows video evidence to be used in domestic violence cases, allowing victims to give testimony on camera. Previously, victims had to give a written statement or appear in person on the stand, often in front of their alleged abuser.

"Police, when called to a domestic violence scene, will film the victim's video statement professionally and sensitively, as soon as possible," said Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant.

"This will create a strong, timely piece of visual evidence for the courts that will reduce the risks of victims getting pressured by assailants into changing their stories down the track."

Around 600 video cameras will be given to frontline police to film statements.

Wollongong police domestic violence co-ordinator Gerry Orkin said the legislation was thought to be a world first.

"This avoids the need for the victim to be retraumatised by telling the story again in court. Often, victims will be persuaded to change their story by the offender - a video statement soon after the event means the offender has less opportunity to influence the victim," he said.

"It brings the experience of the victim to the court, in a way that recounting it months later may not."

Lesley Labka, manager of women's agency Supported Accommodation & Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra, said the change would ease the burden on victims.

"It provides a report of what it was like at the time, and takes responsibility off victims to have to testify."

The general manager of the Illawarra Women's Health Centre, Sally Stevenson, called it a positive change.

"For women experiencing violence, presenting a logical articulate statement in court when they are under pressure and near the perpetrator can be really difficult. Video evidence would minimise the opportunity for trauma," she said.