CLARE’S LAW IS SAVING LIVES, SO WHY IS NSW STILL STALLING?
In a state gripped by a domestic violence crisis, one woman is standing up, refusing to be silenced, and calling for urgent action that could save lives. Jo Cooper, survivor, advocate, and founder of The Good Warrior, is demanding the NSW Government implement Clare’s Law, a life-saving piece of legislation already working in South Australia and the UK.
"Clare’s Law is a no-brainer," says Cooper. "It gives people the right to know if their partner has a violent history. It’s a preventative tool. We are in a crisis, yet we’re still stuck in reaction mode, waiting for someone to be killed before we act! We can’t live in crisis management forever!”
Every month, more than 2,500 domestic violence incidents are reported to NSW Police, and that is just based on the figures of those brave enough to report. Last year, nearly half of all murders in NSW were related to domestic violence. And yet, Jo Cooper’s petition to introduce Clare’s Law in NSW has just over 700 signatures.
"I launched this in February. With just one month left, it’s heartbreaking it hasn’t gained the traction it deserves. It shouldn’t be this hard.”
Jo’s frustration is shared by many on the frontline. Clare’s Law is already saving lives in South Australia, where 86% of those who used it had never accessed DV support before. In the UK, over 45,000 people used the law last year. But in NSW, it’s still not available, despite a national crisis being declared nearly a year ago.
So, what exactly is Clare’s Law? It enables people to confidentially apply to NSW Police to find out if their partner has a known history of violence or abuse.
This is not a public database. Instead, concerned individuals can submit a formal application to the police requesting information about a partner's past. Police will then assess the situation, including safety risks, legal considerations, and the applicant’s relationship to the individual in question. If appropriate, they may disclose relevant information in a private and controlled setting to help the person make an informed decision about their safety.
"I’ve been doing this work for over 20 years. The response I got when I was put in hospital by my first boyfriend is the same response survivors are getting today. That’s how little has changed."
"This isn’t just for me. It’s for every daughter, every mother, every friend, every person who deserves to feel safe. You might not think it affects you today, but what about tomorrow? What if it’s someone you love?"
It’s not about naming and shaming, it’s about early warning, prevention, and empowerment. Clare’s Law gives people the right to know before it’s too late.
Time is running out. The petition to bring Clare’s Law to NSW closes on 22 July 2025. Jo Cooper is calling on every single person in NSW to sign it, share it, and talk about it.
"We need 20,000 signatures to force a parliamentary debate. If you believe in protecting people before they become another headline, then please sign it today. Don’t wait until it’s your daughter, your mate, your partner. Do something now."
SIGN THE PETITION HERE:
http://bit.ly/3FUPtnW
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