This page explains how people who may be at risk of family violence, or concerned relatives or friends, can request information about a partner’s history of family violence. This information is to help people make informed decisions about their safety and next steps in their relationship.
Why it matters
Research and experience show that sharing information early can help identify patterns of family violence, especially where past behaviour may be minimised or hidden. Early awareness can support safer decisions. Knowing can help you and your whānau stay safe.
Who can ask for a disclosure?
Any person can make enquiries about a person they are in a relationship with if they have concerns about their safety. Any concerned third party, such as a parent or friend can make an application; Police will consider who is best placed to receive information in a way that supports safety. In some cases, this may be the person at risk or another appropriate person.
You do not need to be experiencing violence right now to ask.
What kind of information might be shared?
Information that is relevant to the safety of the person involved. This information would be necessary to help prevent or reduce harm. Not all information results in a disclosure. If information cannot be shared, Police will still focus on continued safety support.
What safeguards are in place for people requesting information in terms of privacy?
Police take privacy seriously and carefully balance this with the need to prevent harm. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis. The Official Information Act and Privacy Act allow Police to disclose family violence information when the legal thresholds are met.
How should an individual make an application?
If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone you care about, you can contact Police in the following ways.
- Visit a police station
- Phone 105, the non-emergency number for police
If you consider there is immediate risk to your safety, call 111.