The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) also known as Clare’s Law, allows any member of the public to ask the police if their partner or former partner may pose a risk to them. Once an application is made, police and partner agencies will carry out a range of checks. They will consider disclosing this information if the checks reveal a record of abusive offences or suggest a risk of violence or abuse.
The process is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton in 2009. Clare had met Appleton on Facebook and was not aware of his horrific history of violence against women, including repeated harassment, threats and the kidnapping at knifepoint of one of his ex-partners. Appleton strangled Clare and set her on fire before taking his own life in Salford, Greater Manchester.
This scheme enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have.
Under Clare’s Law you can:
- apply for information about your current or ex-partner because you’re worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you
- request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you’re worried they might be at risk