The incident took place on June 2 in Kew at a residential property and Barton has been hauled before the Wimbledon Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charges.
A Metropolitan Police statement read: "Joseph Barton, 38 (2.9.82), of Widnes, is due to appear on bail on Monday, July 26 at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court charged with assault by beating.
"The charge relates to an incident which took place at a residential property in Kew on Wednesday, June 2 in which a woman received a head injury. London Ambulance Service did not attend.
"A 38-year-old man was arrested on June 2, bailed pending further enquiries, and subsequently charged."
Barton represented the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley during his playing career. He also had a loan spell at French side Olympique Marseille in the 2012/2013 season while on the books QPR.
He amassed 269 appearances in the Premier League and won one cap for the England national team.
Barton has a history of violent conduct over the years, with the highest profile of them coming in May 2007 when he attacked teammate Ousmane Dabo at a Man City training, earning him a £100,000 fine as well as a four-month suspended prison sentence and 200 hours of community service.