Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward and NSW Attorney General Gabrielle Upton, today thanked the public for their feedback and suggestions for the development of a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) in NSW.

“The prevention of domestic and family violence continues to be a priority for the NSW Government and the DVDS will help by informing people of their partner’s history of domestic violence offending, so that they can make informed choices,” Ms Goward said.

“We have received more than 65 submissions from individuals and organisations during the consultation process which ran from 21 May to 19 June.

“The public and experts from the sector were asked to participate in the consultation process which will help inform the model and guide the implementation of the DVDS.”

As part of the consultation process, over 60 representatives from across non-government and government agencies took part in five specialist roundtable discussions. This included discussions with justice and domestic and family violence service providers as well as people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Indigenous backgrounds and people with disability.

Ms Upton thanked all of the stakeholders who took part in the consultation for their ideas and insights on the DVDS.

“Government does not have all of the answers to the toughest questions. By collaborating with the best and most experienced minds, we are helping to ensure the DVDS delivers for people at risk,” Ms Upton said.

“The DVDS is a significant step towards safer homes for families in NSW,” Ms Goward said.

The NSW Government will now consider the submissions and finalise the scheme.