Domestic violence is everybody’s business: Join the discussion

Consultation has concluded

About

This engagement has closed for comment. Thanks for your interest and stay tuned for updates.

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We want your feedback on potential changes to the way domestic violence is handled by completing an online survey or providing a written submission.

What is being decided?

The South Australian Government’s Domestic Violence Discussion Paper shines a light on the extent of domestic violence in our state, and looks at how to better protect and support victims.

The Discussion Paper paints a picture of domestic violence in South Australia and the work we are currently doing to address it, and proposes eight

About

This engagement has closed for comment. Thanks for your interest and stay tuned for updates.

---------------------------

We want your feedback on potential changes to the way domestic violence is handled by completing an online survey or providing a written submission.

What is being decided?

The South Australian Government’s Domestic Violence Discussion Paper shines a light on the extent of domestic violence in our state, and looks at how to better protect and support victims.

The Discussion Paper paints a picture of domestic violence in South Australia and the work we are currently doing to address it, and proposes eight topics for discussion for improving the way domestic violence is handled.

1. Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
Who should be able to find out about someone’s history of domestic violence offending? How should this scheme work?

2. Expiry Dates on Intervention Orders
Should intervention orders (previously restraining orders) be able to expire after a certain period?

3. Comprehensive Collection of Data
What is the best way to ensure that accurate data relating to domestic violence is collected?

4. Allowing Video Evidence
Should police video recordings from incidents be admissible as evidence at trial?

5. Confidentiality
Should domestic violence counselling records be exempt from being used in legal proceedings?

6. Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Should the courts be made to send domestic violence offenders to be assessed for drug and alcohol problems?

7. Homelessness
How can we best assist victims of domestic violence who are facing homelessness?

8. Fostering Supportive Environments
How can we assist domestic violence victims to seek support in the workplace and other environments?

We want to know what you think - complete the online survey or send in a submission via dvdiscussion@sa.gov.au. Your feedback will shape how we tackle this important issue.

How can your input influence the decision?

Your feedback will be taken into account in the development of future domestic violence reforms and initiatives.

You can download the Domestic Violence Discussion Paper (PDF 2.1 MB), or an eight page summary (PDF 177 KB), to gain a better understanding of the proposed changes.

Provide your feedback:

  • Complete an online survey here
  • Email your submission to dvdiscussion@sa.gov.au
  • Mail your submission to: Justice Sector Reform, Office of the Chief Executive, Attorney-General’s Department, GPO Box 464, Adelaide SA, 5000.

How will your input be used?

  • A report on the consultation process will be published on yourSAy after submissions have closed.
  • Your feedback will be taken into consideration in the drafting of any related Bills, which will be publically available when introduced into parliament.
  • You can receive updates on the outcomes of the Discussion Paper by signing up to the mailing list: dvdiscussion@sa.gov.au.

Want to know more?



Background


Domestic violence is a complex problem that affects a significant number of people in the community.

In 2015 alone there were more than eight thousand reported occasions of domestic violence in South Australia. This is a distressing reality. Domestic violence permeates every level of society and endangers people of all backgrounds and experiences. Data tells us that victims of domestic violence are predominantly women and their children.

As a Government, we recognise gender inequality as a root cause of domestic violence. It is also recognised that Aboriginal women and girls are more likely to be victims of domestic and family violence than other women and girls in Australia. Every member of our community can play a role in changing attitudes and breaking down the gender norms and stereotypes that lead to gender-based violence.

The Domestic Violence Discussion Paper asks the community and sector experts to consider a number of specific topics and provide feedback, taking into account the complexities associated with each one. One of these areas is the introduction of a domestic violence disclosure scheme in South Australia. The scheme provides a process whereby people can find out about their partner’s history of violent offending, aiming to reduce incidents of domestic violence and strengthen the ability of police and agencies to provide appropriate protection and support to victims.

We encourage South Australians to provide their views on what a disclosure scheme operating in this State should look like. This Discussion Paper also includes seven further topics for consideration and discussion.

Consultation has concluded

  • Update

    National Domestic Violence Order Scheme

    On 25 November 2017, new laws come into effect to allow authorities to enforce intervention orders anywhere in Australia, regardless of where they were issued.

    The National Domestic Violence Order Scheme is aimed at providing better protection to victims of domestic violence, by ensuring orders issued after this date are automatically recognised in any state or territory.

    More information on the program can be found on the Courts Administration Authority website.

  • Update

    Domestic Violence Response

    On 7 October 2017, the Government of South Australia outlined its next steps to combat domestic violence in South Australia, including proposed changes to some laws.

    It follows extensive community and sector consultation on the ‘Domestic Violence Discussion Paper’ in 2016, which resulted in more than 700 submissions.

    The response includes:

    * the details and protocols to implement a trial domestic violence disclosure scheme in South Australia being explored

    * expiry dates not being placed on intervention orders

    * drafting legislation for consultation for:

    - allowing video evidence from an incident to be used at trial

    - expanding the circumstances in which domestic violence is an aggravated offence

    - expanding the definition of abuse

    * exploring a way to monitor serious repeat domestic violence offenders

    * drafting legislation for consultation amending the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA) making it illegal to discriminate against a person on the grounds of being a victim of domestic and family violence.

    You can download the government’s response and consultation summaries on the Attorney-General’s Department website.