Informed and safe, or blamed and at risk? Examining the merits and limits of domestic violence disclosure schemes in Australia and New Zealand

Domestic violence disclosure schemes have emerged as a policy option that may improve safety outcomes for victims. Clare’s Law, the first domestic violence disclosure scheme (DVDS) internationally, was introduced in England and Wales in March 2014. DVDSs have been adopted in Scotland, Ireland, Saskatchewan and Manitoba (Canada), as Monica’s Law in the state of New York, in New Zealand and, presently, in one Australian state: South Australia (SA). This project represents the first study in Australia and New Zealand to examine the degree to which a DVDS provides an effective intervention for victim-survivors of intimate partner violence in enhancing their safety. The findings from this project are relevant to current policy discussions and evaluations of the DVDS in all Australian states and territories, as well as in comparable international jurisdictions, including New Zealand, Canada, United States, Scotland, England and Wales.