Everyone Should Know About Clare’s Law

Clare’s law gives people the ability to find out if their partner, or potential partner, has a history of abuse or violence.

The scheme, known as Clare’s Law, also allows others with concerns (e.g. family members, friends, neighbours etc.) to make an application if they have concerns about the welfare of another person.

The aim of the scheme is to give members of the public a formal mechanism to make enquiries about an individual they are/were in a relationship with where there is a concern that the individual may be violent or abusive towards them. This is known as the ‘right to ask’.

Third parties may make an enquiry on behalf of a potential or existing victims if they have some form of contact with that victim (e.g. parent, neighbour, friend). Enquiries can also be made in relation to ex-partners.

If police checks show that the individual has a record of violent behaviour, or there is other information/intelligence to indicate that the person is at risk, the police will consider sharing this information with the person(s) best placed to protect the potential victim.

The scheme aims to enable potential victims to make a more informed decision on whether to continue a relationship and provides further help and support to assist individuals when making that informed choice.

To make an enquiry

Call 101

What will happen

• The police will ask if anyone is in immediate danger. If someone is in danger the call will be treated as an emergency.

• If it is not an emergency the police will ask whether you are enquiring for yourself or for someone else.

• You will be connected through to a call handler to discuss the matter

• Your details will be taken and then the person who is being checked details will be taken. If you are reporting on behalf of someone else your details will still be taken.

• A log will be made of the enquiry.

• The caller will be advised that the application will be processed.

• The police will check again that no-one is in any immediate danger.

• The police will remind the caller to ring 999 if they become fearful or to check this section of the website for further advice and support.

Clare’s Law’, was made after the horrific killing of 36-year-old mother Clare Wood by a man she met on Facebook. George Appleton strangled Ms Wood and set her body on fire before hanging himself.

Friends and family were shocked to discover that the killer had a history of violence against women, including repeated harassment, threats and the kidnapping at knifepoint of one of his other ex-girlfriends.