A Safety Tool Australia Still Needs
Clare's Law in Australia
Giving victim-survivors the right to ask, the right to know, and the right to be believed.
About this video
This video was created by Jo Cooper, shared as part of her push to have Clare's Law implemented in Australia
🔸 Category: Survivor | Creator | Entrepreneur
🔸 Country: Australia
🔸 Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocoopervoice/
Many MPs continue to rely on Monash University research to justify delaying Clare’s Law. During my NSW parliamentary debate this month, Jodie Harrison and others again cited Monash as if it were the only evidence that matters. For years, Monash has argued there is not strong enough evidence that Domestic Violence Disclosure Schemes improve safety and that further study is needed before rollout.
But victim-survivors do not need more studies. We need safety and action.
The University of Essex recently confirmed that 82% of applicants in the UK are satisfied with Clare’s Law, and South Australia’s Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme is already delivering outstanding outcomes here. So why are lived-experience voices still not prioritised or included in policy-making? We have long known what works.
When Clare’s Law is delivered with the right frameworks, specialist support and trauma-informed education, it does improve safety, empowerment and informed decision-making. South Australia proves this every day.
It is unacceptable to keep funding research while denying people access to a tool already proven to help them safely leave abusive relationships.
Australia is in a domestic violence crisis.
We do not need another report to tell us that people deserve to know if they are at risk.
We have:
• Proven results from South Australia
• Strong UK evidence
• 122,000+ Australians demanding action through my NSW and National petition
What we lack is implementation.
If we continue to prioritise academic caution over lived experience and urgent reform, we will continue to fail the people who need us most.
It is time to stop using research as a shield for political inaction.
Clare’s Law saves lives when it exists. A national DVDS still does not. I will continue working toward its implementation, alongside the voices who know what is needed most.
#ClaresLaw #NoBystanders #TheGoodWarrior #NationalImplementation #DomesticViolenceDisclosureScheme #LivedExperience
What is Clare’s Law?
Clare’s Law began in the UK after the murder of Clare Wood. It gives two pathways:
Right to ask – a person (or sometimes a friend/family member) can request information about a partner’s history of domestic or family violence.
Right to know – police and support services can proactively disclose risk information if they believe someone is in danger. (Wikipedia)
The aim is simple: informed people can make safer choices.
Why it matters to survivors
✔️ Abusers often hide past violence
✔️ New partners usually don’t meet ex-partners
✔️ Control is hard to spot early
✔️ Disclosure can confirm what your gut already knows
✔️ Disclosure must come with support, not blame
Where is Clare’s Law available in Australia?
Right now, South Australia has the strongest domestic violence disclosure scheme in the country. An independent review found 99% of applicants were satisfied and called it “a model for other jurisdictions.” (Essex Open Access Research Repository)
New South Wales piloted a scheme (2016–2021) but it wasn’t continued. In 2025, campaigners forced a parliamentary debate to bring it back, but some MPs again pointed to Monash research to delay rollout. Survivors are still saying: we don’t need more research, we need access. (Monash Research)
At Healing Through Love, we stand with victim-survivors, advocates, and frontline workers who know — through lived experience — that Clare’s Law works best when it’s survivor-led, trauma-informed, and linked with specialist services. Research is important, but it must not be used as a reason to keep people in danger.
What good practice looks like
Safe application
- Apply online or via a service
- Option to have a support person
- No need to confront partner
- Meeting can be held away from police stations
(Modeled on SA’s approach.) (Essex Open Access Research Repository)
Informed disclosure
- Police check convictions, reports, red flags
- You are told only what is needed for safety
- You are not blamed for staying or leaving
Linked support
- You get safety planning
- You get referrals to DV services
- You get help if the disclosure escalates risk
When Clare’s Law is delivered inside a strong framework — police + specialist DV services + trauma-informed practice — survivors report it helps them make decisions, leave safely, and feel believed. That is exactly what SA is showing right now. (Essex Open Access Research Repository)
What’s holding it back?
Some Australian decision-makers argue there isn’t “enough” evidence to prove disclosure schemes reduce domestic violence, and that states should wait for more national data — especially referencing research from Monash University. (Monash Research)
But several things can be true at once:
- Women are being killed while we “study it”
- South Australia already has a working model
- UK data shows strong satisfaction (82% in recent University of Essex research) when people actually get a disclosure and support (essex.ac.uk)
- Lived-experience voices are still not central in policy-making
“It is unacceptable to keep funding research while denying people access to a tool that already helps them leave.”
– Healing Through Love
Healing Through Love calls for national access to Clare’s Law HTL believes:
1. Every state and territory should implement a survivor-centred disclosure scheme modelled on the South Australian approach.
2. Lived-experience advocates must be at the table when schemes are designed, monitored, and improved.
3. Disclosure must come with support — safety plans, housing pathways, financial counselling, trauma-informed education.
4. Police must be trained to avoid victim-blaming and to understand coercive control.
5. Data must be transparent so the public can see uptake, refusals, and outcomes.
Clare’s Law – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply right now if I live outside South Australia?
Short answer: maybe. Some states do occasional, case-by-case disclosures, and police can still disclose if they believe there is an immediate risk. But there is no consistent national scheme, and that’s the gap we’re highlighting. (Monash University)
Will the person find out I asked?
In a well-designed scheme, your safety is prioritised. There are circumstances where the person may become aware because police must manage risk. That’s why linked support is vital.
What if nothing is disclosed — does that mean I’m safe?
No. A non-disclosure does not mean the person is safe. It can mean there was no record to disclose. Trust your instincts. Get a safety plan anyway.
I’m a friend/family member — can I ask?
Yes, in many schemes a third party can apply if they’re worried. This should be paired with specialist advice so the person at risk isn’t put in more danger.
I work with survivors — can I link to this page?
Yes. This page was created to educate, to advocate, and to platform survivor voices.
Learn more and take action
💗 Independent review of South Australia’s Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (2018–2024) – shows high satisfaction and recommends it as a model. (Essex Open Access Research Repository)
💗 NSW petition and parliamentary debate calling for Clare’s Law – shows community demand and political hesitancy. (www.womenstraumarecoverycentre.org)
💗 UK research on survivor experiences – highlights the importance of consistent delivery, not just having a law. (UCLan – University of Central Lancashire)
💗 Commentary on inconsistent UK police disclosures – why training and resourcing matter. (The Guardian)
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support in Australia, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Worried about someone?
If you believe a friend or family member is with a violent partner, reach out to them gently and connect them with a local domestic and family violence service. Do not confront the perpetrator directly — it can increase risk.
Healing Through Love – creating safer spaces for survivors, families, and communities.
Your lived experience matters here.