Victorian Liberals promise DV disclosure scheme within 100 days if elected

The Victorian opposition is campaigning on a promise to introduce a domestic violence disclosure scheme, similar to the UK's "Clare's Law," within 100 days of taking office. This initiative would empower individuals to ask police if their partner has a history of domestic abuse, aiming to prevent violence before it occurs.

“

This is really about prevention. This is about trying to ensure we stop domestic and family violence before it occurs.

Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson stated the scheme is "really about prevention" and aims to "stop domestic and family violence before it occurs." This proposal follows a private member's bill introduced by shadow minister for prevention of family violence Cindy McLeish, which sought government support for a similar scheme but was ultimately voted down. The Coalition's proposed laws would also include developing individual safety plans, referrals to support services, and free trauma-informed counseling sessions.

“

The bill that I am putting forward is another step. It is not a silver bullet; it is another step to help move in this space.

In response, a government spokesperson asserted that Labor "wouldn't put a price" on victim safety and pointed to its existing reforms, including legislation to criminalize coercive control and ban "good character" evidence in sentencing. The spokesperson claimed Victoria "leads the nation in responding to family and sexual violence" due to Labor's backed reforms.

“

It's about prevention and we know it needs to play a greater role.

South Australia, which introduced its own domestic violence disclosure scheme in October 2018, has seen over 4,000 applications. An independent review by the University of Essex deemed the South Australian scheme a "world leader" in domestic violence prevention. Mergho Ray, manager of integrated programs at Women's Safety Services in South Australia, believes the program "holds abusive behaviours to account" and is saving lives.

“

Labor will introduce legislation to criminalise coercive control, ban good character evidence as a mitigating factor in sentencing, and deliver further reforms to better protect victim-survivors and hold perpetrators to account.