As part of Domestic Abuse awareness Month we have explored what Clare’s Law is and how it can save lives.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) also known as “Clare’s Law”. It enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse. This can be information about their partner’s or ex-partner’s previous abusive or violent offending.
Who is Clare?
Clare Wood was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009 who has a history of being violence towards his partners. Inquest into Clare’s murder reveals a loophole in the Data Protection Act. The loophole prevents police from sharing information about individuals with a history of violence or abuse.
Clare’s father Michael believes this knowledge could have saved Clare’s life. Micheal began a passionate campaign with a vision to create a police disclosure scheme. A scheme that would allow everyone the right to know of a partner’s history of violence.
Clare’s Law has already saved hundreds of lives.
The Right to Ask and the Right to Know
The scheme has two elements:
- The “Right to Ask” allows friends or families to ask for more information. You can ask the police to check if your partner has a violent past. A friend or family member can also do this. If records show that an individual may be at risk the police will consider disclosing the information.
- The “Right to Know” enables the police to make a disclosure if they receive concerning information. This is if the information may impact on the safety of that person’s current or ex-partner. This could be information arising from a criminal investigation. As well as through statutory or third sector agency involvement, or from another source of police intelligence.
How to access Clare’s Law
Contact your local police. It is as simple as going to the police station and saying “I want to make an application under Clare’s Law”.
The police will ask for two forms of ID and complete an initial risk assessment. The purpose of these initial checks is to establish if there are any immediate concerns. The police will then contact you if there is anything to disclose.
Alternately contact a local domestic abuse support service who can support you through the process.
What to do following a disclosure
Once receiving the disclosure, a potential victim can then make informed choices about the relationships. All disclosure of the scheme requires a robust safety plan, tailored to the needs of the individual.
Statistics
In the year ending March 2020, 8,591 individuals applied for the ‘right to know’ in England and Wales. 4479 (52%) applications resulted in disclosure.
In the year ending March 2020, 11,556 individuals applied for the ‘right to ask’ in England and Wales. 4,236 (37%) applications resulted in disclosure.
Only when there is something concerning to disclose will further information be given. Bot sets of data come from the Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme.
Understanding Domestic Abuse and Its Impact
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic violence or abuse can affect anyone. Learn how to recognise the signs and where to seek help. If you’re concerned about others noticing you’ve visited this page, the Women’s Aid website offers guidance. It provides insight into how to cover your tracks online.
Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, encompasses physical, emotional, and sexual abuse within relationships or between family members. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, and anyone can be an abuser.
Types of Domestic Abuse
Physical Abuse
This involves any form of physical violence, such as hitting, slapping, choking, pushing, or using weapons to cause harm. Physical abuse can result in injuries, disability, or even death.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
This includes insults, belittling, humiliation, threats, manipulation, and intimidation designed to erode a person’s self-esteem and confidence. It often leaves long-lasting psychological scars.
Coercive Control
A form of emotional abuse where the abuser uses threats, isolation, surveillance, gaslighting, and restrictions. They do this to control their partner’s life. This type of abuse is as a criminal offence in the UK under the Serious Crime Act 2015.
Sexual Abuse
This includes any non-consensual sexual activity, ranging from unwanted touching to rape. It also involves coercing a partner into sexual acts through manipulation or threats.
Financial Abuse
Occurs when one partner controls access to money. This prevents the victim from working, or creates financial dependency to exert control.
Technological and Digital Abuse
This involves using technology to monitor, harass, or threaten a partner. Examples include tracking a victim’s location through GPS, hacking into personal accounts, or distributing intimate photos without consent.
The Hidden Epidemic: Domestic Abuse Statistics
Domestic abuse is alarmingly common, affecting millions of people worldwide. In the UK:
- In the year ending March 2022, an estimated 2.4 million adults experienced domestic abuse.
- One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
- Domestic abuse accounts for 18% of all violent crime in England and Wales.
- The police recorded 910,980 domestic abuse-related crimes in the year ending March 2022.
- On average, two women are killed each week. This is by a current or former partner in England and Wales.
The Devastating Impact of Domestic Abuse
1. Physical and Psychological Trauma
Victims of domestic abuse often experience serious physical injuries, including bruises, fractures, burns, and in extreme cases, permanent disability or death. However, the psychological toll can be even more profound. Survivors frequently suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. This is due to prolonged exposure to abuse.
2. Impact on Children and Families
Children who witness domestic violence are profoundly affected, even if they are not directly abused. They may experience:
- Emotional and behavioural problems, such as aggression, withdrawal, and difficulty forming relationships.
- Increased risk of developing anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.
- Poor academic performance due to stress and instability at home.
- Higher likelihood of becoming victims or perpetrators of abuse in adulthood.
3. Economic Consequences
Domestic abuse has a significant financial impact on survivors, as well as the economy. Victims often face:
- Job loss or career setbacks due to missed work, stress, or relocation.
- Housing insecurity, as many survivors have to leave their homes to escape abuse.
- Financial instability, especially if their abuser controlled the household finances or prevented them from working.
The estimated economic cost of domestic abuse in England and Wales is £66 billion per year. This factors in healthcare, legal expenses, lost productivity, and support services.
4. Social Isolation
Abusers often isolate their victims from friends, family, and support networks, making it harder for them to seek help. Victims may also feel ashamed, afraid, or pressured to stay silent due to societal stigma. This isolation further reinforces the cycle of abuse.
Why Clare’s Law Matters in Combating Domestic Abuse
Given the devastating consequences of domestic abuse, early intervention is crucial. Clare’s Law plays a vital role in empowering individuals. Allowing them to make informed decisions about their relationships. Providing them with access to critical information about a partner’s history of violence.
By increasing awareness of abuse and ensuring that at-risk individuals receive the necessary support. Clare’s Law can help break the cycle of domestic violence and save lives.
Where else can I get help?
Contact the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Contact the ManKind Initiative for male domestic abuse victims: 01823 334244
Legal protections available
For more information regarding what protection you can apply for please contact ourselves regarding a Non-Molestation Order. See our other blogs regarding help from domestic abuse.
