Attorney-General Simon Corbell, speaking at the launch of Law Week 2015, announced the government would create a new class of interim domestic violence order for when the target had been charged with criminal offences.

The announcement follows a recommendation from a Victims of Crime ACT report that found domestic violence sufferers were being unnecessarily re-victimised and subjected to power and control tactics when they sought protection orders.

Under current laws, interim protection orders have a 16-week limit before expiration.

Mr Corbell said the change would mean victims would not be required to face a hearing for a final domestic violence order until after the criminal charges had been finalised.

"It is possible for victims of domestic violence to be exposed to subtle, but potent, tactics of control and power in court processes that can mirror some of the tactics used by perpetrators of domestic violence behind closed doors," Mr Corbell said.

"The extended interim DVO will help prevent further abuse that may be perpetrated on victims when they apply for repeat DVOs while criminal charges are being dealt with."

ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner John Hinchey welcomed the announcement but said he knew little about how the proposed regime would operate in practice.

"It's a step in the right direction in relieving victims of some of the burden they currently shoulder in taking steps to protect themselves against people who have been charged with criminal offences," he said.

"I'll be particularly interested to hear details on how the extended interim orders will be made final orders upon conviction or finding of guilt."

Mr Corbell said the changes would be part of a bill he expected to introduce to the ACT Legislative Assembly later this year.

The member for Molonglo also announced plans to change the definition of domestic and family violence, to include children witnessing violence, to ensure all victims received greater support.

Mr Corbell said international research showed that infants, children and adolescents exposed to domestic and sexual violence suffered serious negative psychological and developmental impacts.

"I would like to work towards ensuring that the individual and unique needs of children who experience this violence are recognised and receive an appropriate response," he said.

"It considered that it is important to understand what constitutes family violence, and that often family violence may not be 'directed' against a person, but 'lived' and 'experienced'.

"This is why definitions of family violence matter to help us ensure that our responses are effective."

Mr Corbell expected the amendment to be pursued next year.