Clare’s Law is the disclosure scheme offered by police forces to people who wish to know more about the background of their partners, or the partners of people close to them.
Established in 2014 following the murder of Clare Wood, who was killed by her partner in a domestic attack in 2009, the scheme allows the police to notify potential victims whether they are in danger.
Since it was created, there have been thousands of applications for information under Clare’s Law from people who wish to know if their new partner has a violent past. Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme.
Why was Clare’s Law founded?
Despite its nickname, Clare’s Law is not actually a law, but rather a policy aimed to help police to share information on people with violent pasts where needed. It was founded in the wake of the murder of Clare Wood in 2009.
Following Clare’s murder, it transpired that her killer, ex-partner George Appleton, had a history of violence against women. Her father, Michael Brown, campaigned relentlessly in Clare's memory for a change in the law so women and men would be able to find out if a new partner has a history of domestic violence.
What is the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme?
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme - known as Clare's Law after his daughter - first came into force in 2014. The scheme gives police the discretion to disclose certain information about a partner's past.
The scheme includes two prongs known as “the right to know” and “the right to ask”. The right to know means that someone can request information from the police about a partner's previous history to see if there has previously been a history of domestic violence and/or violent acts.
While the right to ask allows police the freedom to proactively disclose any of the information they may have become aware of, where the perpetrator has a new partner and a past history of domestic violence and violent acts.
Who can make a Clare’s Law request?
Anyone can make a Clare’s Law request if they are concerned for their own safety or that of a friend or family member.
Will my partner be told if I make a Clare’s Law request?
No. All requests under Clare’s Law are confidential and the subject of the request will not be told that anyone has applied for the information.
How do I apply for information under Clare’s Law?
You can make a request online with your local police force - Northumbria Police allow for requests to be made online, whilst Durham Police ask that concerned people visit their local police station or call 101.
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