South Australia’s potentially life-saving Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) has reached a new milestone, with more than 1,000 people seeking information on their current or former partner’s criminal history to help them make informed choices about their safety.
Upon coming into office, the Marshall Liberal Government funded and delivered the highly successful DVDS for the first time in SA.
Launched in October 2018 as a trial, the scheme has become on ongoing tool in the Marshall Liberal Government’s suite of record DV measures, backed by an additional $500,000 per year to mid-2024. Further expanding the scheme is also being explored.
Since its launch three years ago, 98 per cent of the 1005 applications to the scheme have been women, with more than 360 meeting with police and a specialist domestic and family violence support worker to discuss their safety.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the Marshall Liberal Government’s investment in this scheme was part of a record $21 million injection in new DV measures.
“We take women and women’s safety and wellbeing very seriously and this is evidenced by our record investment in new DV measures to support at-risk South Australian women and their children,” said Minister Lensink.
“The strong uptake of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme is clear evidence that this initiative is worthwhile and is needed to support women make informed choices about their safety.”
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Carolyn Power said the free and confidential online application can help people at risk find out if their partner has a history of violent offending, or other relevant information such as previous intervention orders.
“If you’re in a relationship or know someone in a relationship, and something doesn’t feel quite right – perhaps a partner tracking your whereabouts, restricts your access to certain family or friends, or is quick to anger – red flags like this can be a reason to make an application,” the Assistant Minister said.
“Even if there is no information for police to disclose, a person feeling at risk is still connected directly with a specialist domestic violence support, providing the practical and emotional help required to make an informed safety plan.
“Nearly 63 per cent of South Australians who accessed the scheme hadn’t been connected with a domestic violence service before – it means women at risk who otherwise may not have sought help have access to specialist services to support their safety.
“Early intervention is crucial in changing the story for those at risk of experiencing abuse, and the domestic violence disclosure scheme aims to do exactly that.”
DVDS fast facts:
Of the 1005 applications received up to end of September:
- 98 per cent were from women
- 66 per cent were from women with children in their care
- 39 per cent of the applications were received from regional areas
- 61 per cent were recorded within the South Australian metropolitan area
- 66.3 per cent were submitted by the person at risk
- 33.7 per cent were submitted by a third-party applicant
- 62.9 per cent of persons at risk have never been connected to a specialised DFV service
For more information or to make an application under the scheme, visit the website at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/dvds or go to your local police station.
1800RESPECT (National 24/7 helpline): 1800 737 732
SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1800 800 098
Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
If you are in an emergency, life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).
