Submission: NSW Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

The scheme would allow individuals to apply for information about any previous history of domestic violence perpetrated by their partner.

We support the introduction of the scheme, as it represents an additional opportunity to provide support to victims of domestic and family violence.

Please note, however, that we do not support the introduction of a Right to Ask for third parties, as this has the potential to disempower or isolate victims or potential victims of domestic violence.

The submission proposes a model which would see the implementation of this scheme through the It Stops Here Safer Pathways framework.

Local Coordination Points (LCPs) would be the main contact point for any applicant, conducting the initial interview and apply the Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool (DVSAT) after an online application or referral from support services.

The LCP would then refer the information to DVLOs, who would conduct research on the subject’s prior history of domestic violence related offences (including sexual offences), as well as current and previous ADVOs.

This information would be relayed to the Safety Action Meeting (SAM), who would have responsibility for evaluating whether to make a disclosure to the applicant, and, if so, what information to disclose.

Following this decision, the LCP would arrange a face-to-face interview with the applicant to provide the disclosure, or explain a decision not to disclose. At this time, warm referrals to support services may also be provided and the DVSAT would be reapplied.