Government Announces Extension of Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

A scheme that allows people to find out if their partner has a history of domestic violence is to be extended for two years, NSW Government has announced. 

The NSW Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme is the first of its kind in Australia. It was launched initially for a two-year trial period in April 2016, and will now be extended until July 2019. It is currently in operation in four areas of NSW: Shoalhaven, St George, Sutherland and Oxley.

Under the scheme, anyone who is concerned about their current or former partner can apply to have any history of violence disclosed. Relatives and other concerned third parties can also make applications if they suspect that someone is at risk.

During the two-year trial, 50 people who made applications under the scheme were subsequently notified that their partner had a violent past. A further 350 people have apparently been helped through a crisis assistance support program attached to the scheme.

“We know that domestic and family violence is often characterised by a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviours and that perpetrators often repeat these behaviours in subsequent relationships,” explained Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward.

“We want to prevent people from being kept in the dark about these patterns of abusive behaviour and it is promising that more than 50 people have successfully had this information disclosed to them,” she added.

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