If you suspect your partner has a violent past you don’t have to be afraid to ask. And if the truth is a slap in the face, there will be support at hand.
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The NSW Government is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to domestic violence prevention.
In a groundbreaking trial it plans to help would-be victims dodge a bullet. Violent men and women are in their sights. If you are caught once for a violent offence relating to a domestic situation then future partners can be warned.
They can access criminal histories before deciding their future – choices can be made with eyes wide open.
“For too long, domestic violence has been a hidden issue,’’ says Minister Pru Goward. ‘’It is rarely a one-off incident, and if we are going to break the cycle we need to intervene early and prevent future violence.’’
A concerned third party – a friend, relative or professional working with the family – may also apply for a disclosure. A conviction will be disclosed where the subject of an application, male or female, has committed a relevant offence.
Police can release the details of any personal violence conviction within a domestic relationship. Relevant charges include murder, manslaughter, physical and sexual assault, property damage, stalking and intimidation and breaches of an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order.
The state has invested $2.3 million over the two-year pilot for expert services to provide support to the person at risk. If police believe there is imminent danger they can act within 48 hours.
Subjects don’t find out about applications made about them. Only time will tell if this fresh new approach can make a dent in the devastation.
But the Government must be applauded for giving it a shot. If it works the program could be rolled out across the state.
The initiative makes perfect sense. Giving people informed choices about who they choose as partners, as long as the information is based on court records, has a good chance of empowering them before they slide into the vortex of destructive family violence.
We warn society about the presence of sex offenders, so why wouldn’t we alert individuals who choose to check of their potential partner’s proclivity to commit acts of violence before it is too late? This won’t be a silver bullet but it might just save one life. And if it does, it will be worth well it.
