A regional Victorian survivor is spearheading a campaign for urgent legislative reform, urging the state government to introduce a domestic violence disclosure scheme after discovering her abusive ex-partner was a serial offender.

"Sarah"—whose name has been changed to protect her safety—spent years enduring severe emotional, financial, and physical abuse before finally escaping with her daughter. It was only after she fled and accessed support services that she learned the horrifying truth: she was actually the fourth woman to take out an intervention order against the same man.

The Trapping Reality of 'Love Bombing'

"Perpetrators often present themselves as incredibly loving and charming at the start," Sarah shared. "They love bomb you to draw you in. But slowly and surely, the relationship deteriorates. If I had known his history at the very beginning, I never would have moved in with him."

After taking out a family violence intervention order, Sarah's ex-partner was ultimately convicted of recklessly causing injury, breaching safety notices, and committing offenses while on bail. Despite her own professional background working within the family violence sector, Sarah found herself trapped in the cycle—proving that domestic abuse does not discriminate.

East Gippsland's Escalating Crisis

Sarah’s story highlights a growing crisis, particularly in regional Victoria. East Gippsland currently holds the state's highest rate of family violence, with Crime Statistics Agency data revealing an alarming 4,655 incidents per 100,000 people. While family violence rates fell by 3.4 percent statewide, regional incidents continue to climb, matching a nationwide trend that saw police handle 8 percent more domestic abuse offenders last year.

Kathy Dickinson, Executive Manager at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, described the local figures as shocking but not surprising, warning that the official data represents just the tip of the iceberg.

"Our systems are completely overwhelmed," Dickinson said. "We are dealing with an epidemic of in-home violence in our local government area. Isolation makes it incredibly difficult for victims in remote locations to reach out, and there are simply never enough resources to fully support these families and children."

Despite the grim statistics, Bairnsdale Police Inspector Mark Rossiter believes the high numbers also reflect a growing trust in local law enforcement. "An increase in incidents demonstrates an increase in reporting, which shows victims trust our response," Inspector Rossiter explained, adding that police are working alongside support groups to prioritize early intervention.

A Push for 'Clare's Law' in Victoria

Sarah is now advocating for Victoria to implement a domestic violence disclosure scheme, commonly known as Clare's Law. The framework allows individuals to ask police if a partner has a history of domestic violence, empowering them to make informed choices before a relationship escalates.

"There is substantial support for victim-survivors once the abuse has already occurred, but very little when it comes to early prevention," Sarah said. "Clare's Law would give partners the power to make an informed decision about whether to stay or go."

Proven Success Across the Border

South Australia remains the only Australian jurisdiction to have active disclosure laws, recording over 4,000 applications since launching its program in 2018. Mergho Ray, Manager of Integrated Programs at Women's Safety Services South Australia, hails the scheme as a lifesaver.

"The disclosure scheme is a powerful tool because it highlights controlling and violent behavioral patterns," Ray said. "Even if no prior offenses are officially recorded, applicants are immediately connected with support services to address their safety concerns. While there are ongoing debates regarding offender privacy, when it comes to saving lives, safety must always trump privacy."