SOUTH Australia’s new initiative aimed at protecting people at risk of domestic violence is showing positive results, including identifying potential victims who had previously never reached out to support services.
In the first seven months of operation, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme has received 132 applications, highlighting a strong awareness and uptake of the scheme by people at risk of, or experiencing, domestic or family violence.
Two thirds of those accessing the scheme have not had any previous contact with domestic violence support services.
Centacare Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Service manager Susie Smith said the centre was seeing an increase of women who have not had contact with services, as well as those who may have not felt confident or able to reach out.
“What we know is feelings of shame force some women into just putting up with the abuse and not accessing services,” she said.
“Whatever the reason she did not reach out in the past, the success of this scheme is that she is receiving some level of risk assessment and expert safety planning.
“She can then make the informed choice to stay in the relationship or leave.”
The scheme, which started accepting applications on October 2 last year, gives at risk individuals the chance to find out if their current or former partner has a history of violence or related offences.
An application can be made by any person in South Australia who is over the age of 17 years.
The disclosure of information by South Australia Police allows them to make an informed decision about their safety and the safety of their children, seek assistance, undertake safety planning and decide whether or not to remain in the relationship.
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Carolyn Power said the scheme was an early intervention initiative and part of a holistic response from government to address domestic violence.
“Early intervention is crucial in changing the story for those at risk of experiencing abuse,” she said.
“While responding to domestic violence with accessible crisis services and stronger legislation, as the Marshall Liberal Government has is important, we are also aiming to stop the violence before it starts.”
Visit police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/dvds for more information about the scheme or to make an application using the online form.
