This post deals with domestic violence and might be triggering for some readers.

Channel 7 host and former White Ribbon chairman Andrew O'Keefe will defend a charge over an alleged domestic assault on his partner.

O'Keefe, 49, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning in Sydney. 

Police will allege he assaulted his partner Dr Orly Lavee at an apartment in Randwick just before 1am, punching her, puncturing her lip, pulling her hair, kicking her legs and spitting on her, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Watch: Women and violence: the hidden numbers. Post continues below video.

In a statement on Sunday, NSW Police said: "Just before 1am, officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command attended a Randwick unit, after reports a 41-year-old woman had allegedly been assaulted in a domestic violence related incident.

"Following inquiries, police arrested a 49-year-old man nearby about 3.30am.

"He was taken to Maroubra police station where he was charged with common assault (DV) and granted conditional bail."

A source told the Daily Telegraph O'Keefe received medical treatment after the incident and will defend the charge.

O'Keefe is scheduled to appear at Waverley Local Court on Thursday, February 4.

He must not contact or approach his partner, unless through legal representation.

O'Keefe is a former lawyer, and the son of ex-NSW Supreme Court Justice Barry O'Keefe.

The former Weekend Sunrise and Deal or No Deal host, who now hosts The Chase, was a founding member of domestic violence foundation White Ribbon Australia. He served as the organisation's chair until 2012.

In 2016, he wrote an article about violence against women.

"[Violence is] a choice that some men make to exercise control over their partners, whether by beating them, or threatening them, or belittling them, or manipulating them in more subtle ways," he wrote.

"We need men to be convincing other men that a culture in which men and women share the power equally is better and happier for both women and men, and that the bedrock of that culture is safety and respect for everyone."

In 2017, O'Keefe was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his television and charity work.

On Tuesday, Channel 7 confirmed it had ended its relationship with the long-time TV personality had come to an end.

"Seven is obviously very concerned to read the reports regarding Andrew O'Keefe," a spokesperson told news.com.au. 

"Seven has had a 17-year relationship with Andrew across a number of programs, although he is no longer with the network.

“As this is a police matter before the courts, we cannot comment further."

It is understood his contract ended in late 2020, and a decision on who will replace him as host of The Chase Australia is still to be made.

On Sunday, there were reports he was being replaced by Rove McManus.

Before the news of his arrest, a spokeswoman told the Daily Mail O'Keefe was "a valued member of the Seven on-air family".

"The speculation about his future and alleged replacements is baseless, ill-informed and wrong."

If this post brings up any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It doesn’t matter where you live, they will take your call and, if need be, refer you to a service closer to home.

You can also call safe steps 24/7 Family Violence Response Line on 1800 015 188 or visit www.safesteps.org.au for further information.