Justice Brian Martin made the comments in a decision of the Court of Criminal Appeal when dismissing an appeal by a man who argued that his sentence was manifestly excessive.

The court unanimously dismissed the appeal by Jarrett Duane Gregson, 44, of Hobart who had pleaded guilty to two charges of assault.

In March 2018, Justice Stephen Estcourt sentenced Gregson to two years’ jail and ordered that he not be eligible for parole until he had served 18 months of the sentence.

Justice Martin said the sentence was “not harsh or unjust.”

“Men like the appellant who are minded to use physical violence against their female partners must understand that the community is greatly disturbed by this type of unacceptable conduct,” he said.

“Such violence is prevalent and will be met with significant terms of imprisonment.”

The court had heard that Gregson assaulted his partner on two occasions by punching her to the head.

Justice Gregory Geason described Gregson’s conduct as “brutal and sustained.”

“It was unprovoked. It was cowardly. It has caused the complainant to suffer flashbacks and nightmares,” Justice Geason said.

He said violence in relationships took many forms and whether it was “physical or psychological, it involves the exertion of power and control over another.”

“The victims of such violence are diminished by it, often succumbing to mental and bodily injuries that ruin their lives,” Justice Geason said.

“It is a particularly insidious crime because it is difficult to detect. And an all too common consequence of this abuse is that its victims may be so broken or fearful that they do not report it.”

He said the complainant was entitled to “the vindication of this Court.”