Domestic Violence has been in the news of late and needs to remain at the forefront of community awareness and action.
You may not be aware of the scheme we have here in South Australia operated by South Australia Police (SAPOL).
South Australia’s Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) provides an avenue for a person to get information about their partner or former partner where they feel unsafe in their relationship or where they may be at risk of domestic violence.
Accessing this information can help a person make decisions about their safety and the future of the relationship.
An information request can be made either by the effected person, or by a person who is concerned about the welfare of someone they know.
It can be done online, or a person can attend at a local police station for assistance filling out the form.
The types of information which may be disclosed from SAPOL records includes convictions for relevant offences (including interstate ones), relevant reports made to police and charges laid, current and historical intervention orders, breaches of intervention orders and other information relevant to the safety of the person at risk that police may hold.
The website further outlines the process and gives examples of situations where SAPOL considers that a DVDS application may or may not be warranted. There are also information sheets (in multiple languages) and a poster if you wish to display it in your organisation here.
Getting proper legal advice in relation to separation (or possible separation) is also important, including regarding children, property, child support, intervention orders and future planning. BOOK YOUR FREE 15-minute Phone Consultationor make a further enquiry by Online enquiry, Emailing us or phone us on 08 7076 9333.
Other resources that may be useful:
- 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line – 1800 800 098
- 1800 RESPECT – Sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling – phone 1800 737 732 and online.
- Mensline – for men with relationship and family concerns – phone 1300 78 99 78 and online.
- Relationships Australia (SA) – Family and Domestic Violence Support Services
- Women’s Safety Services SA – for information about forms of domestic violence, assessing the safety of a relationship and planning for leaving.
- ReachOut.com – Domestic violence and what you can do about it
- Northern Domestic Violence Service (NDVS) – phone 8255 3622 or online
- Southern Adelaide Domestic Vioelnce Service Inc – phone 8382 0066 or online
- Legal Services Commission of South Australia – Information via Law Handbook (Family Violence), Domestic Violence Advice on 1300 366 424 and the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service (WDVCAS) program online and phone 1800 246 642.
- 1800 RESPECT – How do I support someone who has experienced violence?
