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.
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.
