A Safe Path Forward After Domestic Violence
Why It Matters
1 in 4 woman have experienced violence from an intimate partner
1 in 14 men have experienced violence from an intimate partner
2.3M+ Australians affected in the past year
10% of children live with domestic violence
A woman is killed by a partner every 9 days
At The SAMMAY Foundation, we believe every person rebuilding after violence deserves a fresh start. We’re self-funded and do not accept monetary donations—we coordinate practical, in-kind support so essential goods and services reach people when they’re needed most.
State & Territory Guidance
Laws and processes differ across Australia. Use the sections below to find out about disclosure options (Clare’s Law–style schemes) and protection orders where you live. For your safety, open official links in a new tab and consider private/incognito browsing.
- Emergency: Call 000 (police/fire/ambulance)
- 24/7 counselling: 1800RESPECT (Call 1800 737 732, Text 0458 737 732, online chat)
- Crisis support: Lifeline (Call 13 11 14, text/chat available)
- Men seeking help: MensLine Australia (Call 1300 78 99 78, video/online)
- Young people: Kids Helpline (Call 1800 55 1800, webchat)
- First Nations support: 13YARN (Call 13 92 76 — 24/7, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander–led)
- Online safety: eSafety Commissioner (tech-abuse tips, reporting)
- Interpreter: TIS National (131 450 — Translating & Interpreting Service)
- Disclosure (Clare’s Law): Available in SA via the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS). You can request information about a partner’s history via SA Police.
- Protection orders: Intervention Orders (police-initiated or via Magistrates Court) can place conditions to help keep you safe.
- Check latest information: SA Police — DVDS | DVDS info (PDF) | SA Courts — Intervention Orders | Legal Aid SA | Women’s Safety Services SA (Crisis)
- Disclosure: NSW Police provide domestic and family violence information and may publish updates on any disclosure initiatives. Check the current status.
- Protection orders: Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) via Police or Local Court.
- Check latest information: NSW Police — Domestic & Family Violence | NSW Local Court — AVOs | Legal Aid NSW — DV Unit | NSW Govt — Help for Victims
- Disclosure: Check Queensland Police for any current advice or programs regarding disclosure.
- Protection orders: Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) via Police or Magistrates Court.
- Check latest information: Qld Police — Domestic & Family Violence | Qld Courts — Apply for a DVO | About DVOs | Legal Aid Qld — DFV | DVConnect (24/7)
- Disclosure: See Victoria Police family violence pages for current guidance and any disclosure updates.
- Protection orders: Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs) via Police or Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
- Check latest information: Victoria Police — Family Violence | Magistrates’ Court — Apply for FVIO | FVIO Application (Form) | Victoria Legal Aid — FVIOs | Safe Steps (24/7)
- Disclosure: Check WA Police for the latest on any DV disclosure scheme developments or pilots.
- Protection orders: Family Violence Restraining Orders (FVROs) via Police or Magistrates Court.
- Check latest information: WA Government — Family & Domestic Violence | Magistrates Court — Restraining Orders (FVRO) | Legal Aid WA — FVROs | Women’s DV Helpline (24/7)
- Disclosure: Check Tasmania Police for any current guidance around disclosure.
- Protection orders: Family Violence Orders (FVO) and Police Family Violence Orders (PFVO).
- Check latest information: Tasmania Police — Family Violence | Safe at Home (System info) | Tasmania Legal Aid — Family Violence | Family Violence Response & Referral Line (24/7)
- Disclosure: See ACT Policing for current advice; check for any updates on disclosure options.
- Protection orders: Family Violence Orders (FVOs) via Police or ACT Magistrates Court.
- Check latest information: ACT Policing — Family Violence | ACT Magistrates Court — FVOs | Legal Aid ACT — DV Unit | DVCS — Crisis Service (24/7)
- Disclosure: Check NT Police for current guidance or programs related to disclosure.
- Protection orders: Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) via Police or Local Court.
- Check latest information: NT Police — Family Safety Framework | NT Govt — Apply for a DVO | NT Local Court — DV Applications | Domestic Violence Legal Service (NT Legal Aid) | NT Govt — Crisis & Support Helplines
Get Help & Resources
Tip: for privacy, open links in a new tab and consider using an incognito/private window.
What is Clare's Law
What it is
Clare’s Law” — formally the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) — allows a person to ask police whether a current or former partner has a known history of domestic abuse. The scheme began in the UK and is run by police under national guidance to help people make informed safety decisions. GOV.UK
Where it stands in Australia (quick guide)
South Australia (SA): Active — You can apply to South Australia Police (SAPOL). If criteria are met, police may disclose relevant information in a private meeting with safety planning. SAPOL+1
New South Wales (NSW): In debate — A 2025 petition triggered parliamentary debate to introduce a DVDS; the government’s formal response notes issues under consideration. (Not yet implemented — check NSW updates). www.womenstraumarecoverycentre.org+1
Western Australia (WA): Under consultation — The WA Government funded consultation to design a family & domestic violence disclosure scheme. (Policy work in progress.) Western Australian Government
Other jurisdictions (QLD, VIC, TAS, ACT, NT): No public DVDS operating at this time. People can still seek protection through existing police and court pathways (e.g., protection orders/DVOs). For Queensland examples, see QLD Government guidance. Queensland Government+1
If you need help now (any state/territory)
Emergency: call 000.
24/7 confidential support: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732 / text 0458 737 732 / online chat).
Police and local courts can advise on protection orders (DVO/AVO/Family Violence Orders) and safety planning.
Why it’s called “Clare’s Law”
Named after Clare Wood (UK), the scheme was introduced to enable people to ask about a partner’s known history of abuse and receive support alongside any disclosure. GOV.UK
Privacy & safety
Police decide what (if anything) can be disclosed — it’s not a full criminal record.
Any disclosure is paired with safety planning; sharing disclosed information publicly may be unlawful.
Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure)
Clare’s Law (also called a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) lets someone ask police if a current or former partner has a known history of domestic or family violence.
Availability and process differ across Australia. Use the buttons below to check the latest guidance for your state or territory.
Safety tip: Consider using a private/incognito window and the site’s Quick Exit button.
If you feel unsafe right now, call 000. For confidential counselling 24/7, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Hannah’s Story
On 19 February 2020, Hannah Clarke and her three children — Aaliyah (6), Laianah (4) and Trey (3) — were tragically murdered by Hannah’s estranged husband in Brisbane. Their deaths sparked nationwide grief, awareness and calls for change.
To honour their memory, Hannah’s parents Lloyd and Sue Clarke founded the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation, whose mission is to HALT domestic and family violence through education, advocacy, and support for coercive control awareness. [Small Steps 4 Hannah – Hannah’s Story](/hannahs-story)
Coercive Control: What the Law Now Says
From 26 May 2025, it is a criminal offence in Queensland to engage in coercive, controlling behaviours towards an intimate partner, former partner, family member or informal carer. The law recognises that abuse isn’t always physical — patterns of intimidation, isolation, financial control, threats or humiliation are also captured.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment. Practice directions and community training modules are being rolled out to help courts, police and support services apply the law.
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