People who might be at risk of domestic violence may be able to find out if their current or former partner has a history of violent criminal offences through the NSW Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
More than 50 people learnt of their partner’s violent past during a two-year trial of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
In addition, a crisis assistance support program attached to the scheme helped more than 350 people.
The scheme will now be extended to July 2019 and will continue to operate in Shoalhaven, St George, Sutherland and Oxley.
A person who may be at risk can apply to find out if current or former partner has a history of violence, including stalking, physical and sexual assault, murder or manslaughter, or breaching an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order.
Concerned third parties – including friends, relatives or colleagues of the person at risk – may also apply for information.
Launched in April 2016, the scheme is the first of its kind in Australia and one of the NSW Government’s strategies to help reduce domestic violence in the state.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward said the scheme has empowered many people to make an informed decision, which could save their lives.
“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,” Ms Goward said.
“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.”
Minister for Police Troy Grant said there are no innocent bystanders when it comes to domestic violence.
“If you are concerned that someone you know may be the victim of domestic violence, don’t stay silent," Mr Grant said.
Learn how the NSW Government is reducing the proportion of domestic violence perpetrators reoffending
