1. NSW DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE FRAMEWORK FOR REFORM:
INFORMATION SHARING

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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