Surge in South Australians asking to see partner's domestic violence history

Hundreds of people in South Australia are applying to see a partner's criminal history, with data released exclusively to 9News showing demand for the service is surging. 

The information they're being granted was once only for the eyes of the police but is now giving women the power to make informed choices before the worst happens

South Australian Police (SAPOL) have witnessed a 172% increase in applications for the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme since its inception in 2019, up to almost 700 lodged last year. 

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"I have no doubt it can save lives and it probably does save lives," Assistant Commissioner Linda Williams said.

The portal is designed for those who feel something isn't quite right in their relationship, and offers a means to assess personal safety and make informed decisions about maintaining or ending relationships.

One instance highlighted the scheme's impact when a concerned family member accessed the service on behalf of a loved one, worried she was being love-bombed, groomed and controlled. 

The man had more than 10 prior domestic violence victims, along with convictions for assaults and threats to kill, prior intervention orders, and a lengthy prison sentence. 

After getting the information, the woman was able to end the relationship.

"It must be very empowering because if you are coming forward because you have a suspicion, sometimes to have that validated can make you think, 'you know what, I saw these signs and I was right to be concerned about it,'" Williams said.

South Australia is the only state to offer the service.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.