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What is Clare’s Law?
Clare’s Law is the domestic abuse disclosure scheme. It enables the police to disclose certain information about whether or not a person has a history of domestic abuse.
Claire’s Law is named after Clare Wood who was murdered by her ex-partner. After her death it was revealed that he had a history of abuse against women. Clare’s father campaigned for a law that allowed police to warn people about dangerous partners before they are harmed, so they can leave safely.
There are two types of disclosure.
Right to ask where an individual or third party asks the police to check whether someone has a violent or abusive past. If they do, the police will decide whether or not to provide this information.
Right to know where the police themselves decide proactively to tell someone that a person they are or were in a relationship with someone with a violent or abusive past.
In each case, the police have to carefully consider whether to provide the information, because they have to consider both the nature and extent of the risk that the abuser may pose and the consequences for the abuser if the information gets out. They may ask a multi-agency group specialising in domestic abuse and risk to help make the decision. The information will be a summary – just what is necessary to protect the person(s) at risk.
Who can ask and how
Anyone can make a request. You can ask about someone you are in a relationship with, or you can ask on behalf of someone else you are worried may be at risk.
You can contact the police non-emergency line or use a contact method on the police force’s website. For Norfolk, you can fill in the form on their site.
The police should meet with you to obtain more information. They should provide you with a leaflet about the scheme, local and national sources of help, and their contact information, unless giving you written information would place you at risk (if the abuser saw the documents).
The police will ask you for ID at some point because they can only disclose the information to certain people, and you will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement. The police will then take about 28 days to search for information, although they can take more urgent steps if they think there is an immediate risk.
If the police believe a crime has been committed, then they should take a report and investigate as well as consider the disclosure. They should also conduct a risk assessment of those they think might be at risk from the abuser.
Who can receive the information
The police may give the information directly to a person who is at risk, or to someone who could help protect them, such as a support worker or independent domestic abuse advocate (IDVA). If several people are at risk, such as both current and former partners, they may disclose to multiple people.
If you are asking on behalf of someone else, and the police want to disclose the information, they may not give it to you, but straight to the person(s) at risk or their support person.
Finding out more
You can read the scheme guidance.
We have a short guide to Clare’s Law which you can download.