Domestic violence disclosure scheme, known as Clare’s Law, a step closer for South Australia

A SCHEME credited with saving more than 50 people at risk of violent abuse interstate is a step closer in South Australia.

• SA Police “ready” to trial domestic violence disclosure scheme
• Victims would be able to ask about partners’ criminal history
• More than 1800 men named on women’s safety watchlist

A SCHEME credited with saving more than 50 people at risk of violent abuse interstate is a step closer in South Australia.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman received a briefing from NSW Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Pru Goward Tuesday on a domestic violence disclosure scheme being trialled there

It enables people to ask police about the criminal history of their partner if they are concerned by their behaviour.

The Liberal Government pledged ahead of the March election to introduce a similar scheme in SA.

Ms Goward revealed Tuesday that more than 50 people in NSW had been given information about a partner’s violent past. She has extended the trial for another year.

Based on a UK model known as Clare’s Law, the scheme is named after Briton Clare Wood, who was murdered in 2009 by a former partner with a history of violence.

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The NSW version allows a person to seek details from police about their partner, or family members or friends to inquire on their behalf.

On April 5, Premier Steven Marshall told The Advertiser he was seeking an “urgent” briefing from SA Police on how the scheme could be run here.

A week later, Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval said SA Police had developed its preferred model and was ready to put this to the State Government.

A spokesman for the Government said it had since been in contact with SA Police.

At least 35 South Australians have died as a result of family violence since mid-2010.

They will be remembered at a candlelit vigil to be held in Elder Park tonight.

The Torrens footbridge, Town Hall and Victoria Square fountain will also be lit in green, white and purple to mark the annual Domestic and Aboriginal Family Violence Vigil, which coincides with events to be held around the nation.

Domestic Violence Coalition of SA co-chair Susie Smith said the vigil was “a reminder to the community” that domestic violence “remains an urgent safety risk”.

This year Ivan Philips will speak at the gathering about the loss of his daughter Tash Jones, who was murdered by her partner in 2007.

In 2016, Mr Phillips, who is a White Ribbon Ambassador, rode his motorbike 15,000km around Australia to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Ms Smith stressed that “men can be part of the solution by standing with women in fighting the social norms of gender inequality that promote men needing to be powerful and controlling”.

She encouraged men to be role models and intervene “when family, friends or colleagues are being sexist, disrespectful and abusive”.

Anyone is invited to attend the vigil and light a candle from 5.30pm at the Rotunda in Elder Park.

For support, phone 1800 RESPECT or Women’s Safety Services SA on 1800 800 098.