NSW DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE FRAMEWORK FOR REFORM: INFORMATION SHARING

THE PROBLEM Lack of a coordinated response Victims referred inconsistently to support services Ineffectiveness of current consent based referral processes No safeguards protecting victims’ confidential information 2010: NSW and Australian Law Reform Commission 2011: Auditor-General’sReport 2012: Parliamentary Inquiry

THE RESPONSE Greater government and non-government collaboration Responsive and consistent services for victims Clear information management procedures Improved information sharing

WHY SHARE INFORMATION? Information sharing saves lives Provides a complete picture of the circumstances To ensure the safety of victims and their children To improve access to domestic violence support services Information sharing saves lives Client-centre – saves victims retelling their story

ADDRESSING CONCERNS Information sharing is not new: DVICM, Campelltown and Wagga Wagga Family Safety Framework, South Australia MARAC, United Kingdom NGOs in other jurisdictions identified positive benefits: keeping victims safe greater collaboration between agencies increased safety of workers

Before rely on Part 13A: Does Chapter 16A apply? WHAT ARE THE CHANGES? Before rely on Part 13A: Does Chapter 16A apply? Part 13A Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 Referral where victim at threat or legal proceedings Police and Local Courts – automatic Other agencies – with consent Any further sharing of information between agencies only with consent Information sharing amongst agencies where serious threat

WHY AUTOMATIC REFERRAL? Victim Survey in 2012: 92% of victims preferred automatic referral 100% of Aboriginal victims preferred automatic referral greater uptake of support services

PRINCIPLES OF INFORMATION SHARING The safety of victims and their children is paramount Informed consent to share information is preferred Victims can choose which services they engage with Victims can receive services without consenting to information sharing Victims can access and correct information Perpetrators are held accountable for their actions Any escalation of violence is identified and responded to Information sharing must be secure, timely, accurate and relevant

MORE INFORMATION Part 13A of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 Information Sharing to Prevent Domestic Violence Protocol