Domestic violence: Worried or scared by some of the things your partner does? Here’s how to access the SA Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

Are you worried about, or scared by, some of the things your partner does? Here’s how to find out if you’re at risk.

More than 770 South Australians have been concerned enough to ask police to check the criminal history of their partner, or that of a loved one, through a landmark scheme designed to act on the early warning signs of abuse.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme launched in SA in October 2018.

It is based on a UK model known as Clare’s Law, which was put in place following the brutal 2009 murder of Clare Wood by a partner with a hidden history of abuse.

The SA scheme has so far received 774 applications, including from girls as young as 16 and women aged in their 60s or 70s.

Almost 500 of the people at risk also had children in their care.

The checks are uncovering histories of assault or weapons charges, protection orders that have been put in place for past relationships and breaches of those orders.

Women’s safety services and authorities say the scheme is saving lives by warning potential victims and supporting them to leave a dangerous relationship before the risk escalates.

So how does it work and could it help you?

What are some of the red flags that might mean I should consider applying?

Concerning behaviour could include someone controlling where their partner goes or what they wear, constantly belittling them or isolating them from friends and family, monitoring their phone or displaying anger-management problems.

Physical or sexual assaults or other violent incidents are also a red flag, and these should be reported to police.

How do I apply?

SA Police operate the scheme.

It is open to people of any gender, aged 17 or older, who are living in SA and are in a relationship or have ongoing contact with an ex-partner, such as sharing custody of children.

To lodge an application visit the SA Police website or your local police station.

You’ll need to provide proof of identity, such as a driver’s licence, Medicare card, passport or birth certificate.

What about if I’m worried about someone else?

You can apply on behalf of someone else if you have concerns they are in an abusive relationship or at risk of harm.

This has happened in about one-third of cases so far, where someone such as a parent, sibling, other relative, friend, neighbour or close work colleague has lodged an application.

You could also be a person who learns that their ex-partner - who was abusive to them - is in a new relationship and is concerned for the new partner’s welfare.

Information will only be released to the person at risk, not any third-party applicant, but police can update you on how the application progressed.

Keep in mind that it is up to the person at risk to accept or decline to meet with police.

They will not be told who has made the application, unless you give permission.

What kinds of information can be disclosed?

Police can reveal convictions for offences such as assault, stalking, threats or weapons possession, as well as reports to police or charges that were dropped or acquitted.

Court protection orders - known as Intervention Orders - and breaches of those orders are included.

However, non-violent offences such as drink-driving, speeding or fraud, or spent convictions, are not disclosed.

Police can access information held by interstate authorities too.

In some cases there may be no relevant history to disclose. Even if this is the case, it does not guarantee that the person does not pose a risk. For this reason, every applicant is also connected with trained staff from Women’s Safety Services SA who can help identify any ongoing risks or refer you to other services.

How long does it take?

Applying online takes about 10 minutes.

Once police receive the application it usually takes about a fortnight to run the background check and get back in touch.

The meeting to disclose information will be held in an agreed, safe place but not a police station or the person’s home and you can have a support person with you.

What if they find out I’m in real danger?

So far police have had to warn at least 15 women that they were in imminent danger because of the risk posed by the criminal history of their partner or ex-partner.

If this is the case, police and Women’s Safety Services staff will be in touch as soon as possible and can help you to make emergency arrangements.

Will my partner or ex-partner find out?

No. The person under investigation will not be told but SA Police keep a record of those who have been the subject of an application.

Do I have to leave my partner if the police find something to disclose?

No. The disclosure of information is intended to help you make an informed decision about your safety. Every applicant is also connected with Women’s Safety Services SA, where a trained specialist can help you assess your options and make a plan.

Can I share the information I get about my partner or ex-partner?

No. If police decide to reveal a criminal history, the person who receives the information must sign an agreement that they will not share it publicly, including on social media.