What is Clare's Law? And how can it help protect you in future.
What is it?
Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure scheme, DVDS) is a scheme that allows you to request information from the Police about a partner/potential partner. This will tell you if the person has a history of domestic abuse and violence. The ‘right to ask’ allows individuals to request the information and the ‘right to know’ allows the police to share it if they feel it is necessary for the persons safety. It has been designed to identify potential victims and prevent domestic abuse.
What’s the history?
The DVDS was introduced in 2014 after the tragic murder of Clare Wood in 2009. Clare was brutally murdered, she had been beaten, raped, strangled and set on fire by her former partner George Appleton. George had a long history of abusive behaviour and violence towards women, he had previous convictions of assault, harassment and kidnap. He had previously served time in prison for these offences and had restraining orders served upon him for the repeated harassment of ex-partners. Throughout their relationship Clare had made several reports about George to the police for harassment, threats to kill, sexual assault and criminal damage. She had a panic alarm fitted within her home and just one week before her murder George had broken into her house by kicking the door down and yet, no action was taken, and no previous information was shared by the police despite her being in extreme danger.
Through the brave efforts and campaigning by Clare’s family the DVDS scheme was made official. Clare’s family strongly believe that disclosing this information sooner could have saved her life.
Who can make a request?
The individual involved with the person may make a request and a third party i.e., friend/family/neighbour may also make a request too.
How does it work?
You can make a request by visiting your local police station, calling 101 or visiting your local police forces website, most of them have an online form. You will be required to give your details and details of the individuals in question such as names, addresses etc if you have them. You will also be required to give details as to why you are making a request. The police will then decide whether you have sufficient grounds to ask and if they feel it is appropriate to disclose such information, they will use information from their criminal databases, social services and probation services. If there is a history this will be disclosed in person to the individual potentially at risk, it is not given in written form. Disclosures are not made to the third party. The timeframe for this can be up to 28 days.
What else might happen?
If the Police feel necessary they may complete a risk assessment with you and also offer safeguarding advice.
When should it be used?
It should be used if you feel that yourself or someone close to you is at risk from domestic abuse, if you believe your partner/potential partner is exhibiting signs of abusive behaviour or may have a history then make a request. The individual you are requesting information about will not be made aware of any requests to disclose.
Some advice...
If you feel you need to make an application to Clare's law, that might be just enough for you to realise your gut is trying to warn you!!