Extension of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme trial
Responsible government
- South Australia
Fourth Action Plan actions
- Improve support and service system responses
- 17 Collaborate across services, sectors and workforces to ensure responses to women affected by domestic, family and sexual violence are coordinated, meet women’s needs, avoid women having to retell their story and promote their recovery.
What are we doing?
Extension of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) trial enables individuals or their loved ones to enquire about their current or former partner’s criminal history. The disclosure of information by South Australia Police allows individuals who are potentially at risk to make an informed decision about their safety and the safety of their children. The DVDS also provides the opportunity for applicants to receive risk assessment, safety planning and ongoing support where required from a specialist domestic violence worker.
What have we achieved so far?
The South Australian Government has committed $500,000 to the extension of the DVDS to the end of the 2020-21 financial year.
What is next?
The South Australian Government has ensured that the DVDS is now a permanent part of South Australia’s responses to domestic, family and sexual violence.
Promotion of the DVDS is occurring through community engagement and campaigns linked to COVID-19 responses including promotion to education and health professionals. Further opportunities are being explored including promotion to other non-sector service providers who may hear disclosures of possible domestic, family and sexual violence such as hairdressers.
What difference will we make?
South Australia’s DVDS provides an avenue for a person who may be at risk of domestic violence to get information about their partner or former partner, to help make decisions about their safety and the future of the relationship.