Concerned South Australians seek early safety warning through Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

More than 28 people have asked police to check the criminal history of their partner — or a loved one’s partner — since the launch of a scheme designed to warn them before a relationship turns violent.

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TWENTY-EIGHTpeople have asked police to check the criminal history of their partner — or a loved one’s partner — since the launch of a scheme designed to warn them before a relationship turns violent.

In its first month, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme received 21 applications from people who believed they were at risk because of red flags raised by the behaviour of their partner.

A further seven people — such as friends or relatives — applied on behalf of a loved one. In comparison, a similar scheme in NSW attracted 42 applications in six months.

A worker answers calls at the Domestic Violence Crisis Line call centre.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said this showed “the real need for this scheme in South Australia”. She revealed police had already disclosed some criminal records to concerned applicants but could not say how many.

Based on a UK model, the scheme enables people to ask police about the criminal background of a spouse, de facto, boyfriend or girlfriend.

Applicants must be 17 or older and be in a relationship or have ongoing contact with an ex, such as sharing custody of children.

Police can reveal convictions for assault, stalking or threats and charges that were dropped or acquitted.

Court intervention orders are included but non-violent offences, such as drink-driving or fraud, are not disclosed. Concerning behaviour could include excessive phone calls, constant questions about a partner’s whereabouts or anger management problems.

Adelaide woman Stacey was abused by her ex-partner for three years and said, in hindsight, there were “red flags” in his early behaviour.

She later discovered her ex had been convicted of crimes against a previous partner and two other women revealed they “left him because he was abusive”.

“When I found out (about his history), I was just devastated,” said Stacey, in her mid 40s. “If there had been anything (revealed earlier) in terms of trouble in previous relationships, I would have dropped him like a lead balloon.” She urged women who were warned about a partner’s behaviour to “seriously look at it and consider your future and your safety”.

Of the 28 applications, 16 met the criteria for police investigation. About a third of people sought information about a current partner, and the remainder about an ex.

To apply FOR the scheme, visit police.sa.gov.au

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