Clare’s Law Explained: The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)
Clare’s Law, officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), is a vital safeguarding measure in the UK. It allows individuals to request information from the police about whether a current or former partner has a known history of domestic violence, abuse, or violent offending. The scheme aims to help people make informed decisions about their relationships and to prevent domestic abuse before it escalates.
Clare’s Law: The Story Behind the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)
Clare’s Law is named after Clare Wood, a 36-year-old woman from Yorkshire who was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend, George Appleton, in 2009.
Clare met George Appleton on Facebook, unaware that he had a criminal history. They entered into a six-month relationship, which Clare ended after it became coercive. Despite this, George Appleton continued to harass her, causing property damage, making threats of violence, and attempting assault.
Although Clare obtained a police restraining order and reported his behaviour, George Appleton’s abusive actions went largely unchecked. The relationship ended with the fatal murder of Clare, followed by George Appleton taking his own life. Investigations later revealed that he had a documented history of violent and abusive behaviour, particularly towards women, which Greater Manchester Police were aware of but had not disclosed.
At the time, data protection laws created a legal loophole that prevented former abusers’ criminal records from being shared. This meant that potential victims, like Clare had no way of checking whether their partner had a history of domestic abuse or violent offending.
Following Clare’s death, her father, Michael Brown, campaigned for changes to the law, believing that Clare would still be alive had she been aware of George Appleton’s violent past. After five years of advocacy, the law was amended to allow the police to disclose and proactively share information about a partner’s relevant criminal convictions and abusive history.
Clare’s Law was officially introduced in England and Wales in 2014 under the formal title of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), providing victims and potential victims with a legal right to access this information and enhance their personal safety.
Clare’s Law: From Policy to Statutory Law
Clare’s Law gained a statutory footing following the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021. This landmark legislation has been described as the most comprehensive package on domestic abuse in the UK, aiming to bring the issue firmly into public focus.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduced the first statutory government definition of domestic abuse, recognising that abuse extends beyond physical violence to include psychological, emotional and economic abuse. As a result, Clare’s Law is no longer simply a police policy; it is now a legal right. This means that victims can lawfully request information about their partner’s offending history, ensuring their safety is prioritised and removing previous police discretion over disclosures.
When Was Clare’s Law Introduced?
Clare’s Law was introduced in:
- England and Wales – March 2014
- Scotland – 2015
- Northern Ireland – 2018
The scheme does not currently apply in the Republic of Ireland, although campaigns are underway to introduce similar legislation, known as Jennies Law, following the murder of Jennifer Poole in 2021.
What Information Can Be Disclosed Under Clare’s Law?
Under Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme), all disclosures must be considered lawful, proportionate and necessary. This ensures that sensitive personal information is only shared where it is justified to protect someone from the risk of domestic abuse.
As part of a Clare’s Law application, the police will first assess whether it is appropriate to disclose confidential information about your partner or former partner. If the assessment indicates that you may be at risk of domestic violence or abuse, the police will make a multi-agency decision about what information, if any, should be disclosed to support your safety.
If you are applying under Clare’s Law on your own behalf, any relevant information will usually be disclosed directly to you in person. If you are making an application on behalf of someone else, the decision to disclose will depend on your relationship with that individual and your ability to help safeguard them from harm.
If your partner is not known to the police, or if police checks indicate that there is no identifiable risk to your safety, the police will inform you. In these circumstances, no disclosure is required under Clare’s Law, and no information will be shared with you or any third party.
Information disclosed under Clare’s Law may include:
- Previous incidents of domestic abuse involving former partners or family members
- Violent offences such as burglary, robbery or criminal damage
- Crimes involving weapons or firearms
- Sexual offences
- Assaults against any person
- Animal abuse
- Harassment or stalking incidents
- Relevant police intelligence, even where no formal crime has been recorded
- Drug-related offences
All disclosures are made following a thorough risk assessment by the police.
Clare’s Law disclosures take into account the full and legally recognised definitions of domestic abuse, not just physical violence. Abuse can take many forms, including harassment, verbal abuse, stalking, psychological manipulation, coercive behaviour, sexual assault and other forms of violent behaviour.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, socio-economic background or disability. It is not limited by gender or personal circumstances.
Under UK legislation, domestic abuse is defined as a single incident or a pattern of incidents involving controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour, including both physical and sexual violence. As the law continues to evolve.
Recognised forms of domestic abuse include:
- Psychological and emotional abuse
- Physical and sexual abuse
- Financial or economic abuse
- Harassment and stalking
- Online or digital abuse
When assessing a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application, the police consider these recognised forms of abuse when deciding whether a disclosure is lawful, proportionate and necessary to protect an individual from harm.
Does Clare’s Law Show Criminal Convictions?
Yes. Under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, the police can disclose information about previous convictions, cautions, or relevant intelligence relating to violent or abusive behaviour where it is necessary to protect an individual from harm.
Why Is Clare’s Law Important for Safeguarding?
Clare’s Law plays a crucial role in domestic abuse safeguarding by preventing harm through early intervention. It supports individuals, professionals and agencies in identifying risk and taking appropriate action.
Key safeguarding benefits include:
- Empowerment Through Information
Access to accurate information allows individuals to make informed decisions about their safety and relationships.
- Proactive Risk Assessment
Clare’s Law helps identify potential risks early, enabling preventative measures to be put in place.
- Improved Multi-Agency Accountability
The scheme encourages responsible information sharing between agencies, helping to prevent serious harm or fatal outcomes. Clare’s Law is most effective when supported by ongoing training and strong multi-agency working, particularly at Safeguarding Level 2.
How Does Clare’s Law Work?
An application under Clare’s Law can be made by visiting a local police station or contacting the police on 101.
The scheme has two key components:
- The Right to Ask
Individuals can request information from the police if they are concerned about a partner’s history of violence or abuse. Friends or family members can also make a request on someone’s behalf, although any disclosure will only be made to the person at risk.
- The Right to Know
Professionals such as probation officers, health visitors or social workers can request a disclosure if they have concerns for someone’s safety. Police may also proactively share information if they believe a person is at risk, even if no request has been made.
Is Clare’s Law Anonymous?
Police carry out a full risk assessment for every Clare’s Law application. If a disclosure is approved, it is usually shared in person with the individual at risk, and their response is formally recorded.
While the identity of the applicant is not usually shared with the subject of the disclosure, absolute anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Applicants are encouraged to discuss confidentiality concerns with the police before proceeding.
- In the year ending March 2020, 8,591 ‘right to know’ applications were applied for in England and Wales. 4479 (52%) applications resulted in disclosure.
- In the year ending March 2020, 11,556 ‘right to ask’ applications were applied for in England and Wales. 4,236 (37%) applications resulted in disclosure.
What Safeguarding Training Covers Clare’s Law?
Clare’s Law is typically included within training on:
- Domestic Abuse Awareness
- Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment
- Multi-Agency Safeguarding Training
Level 1 Safeguarding Training provides a basic overview of Clare’s Law. More detailed learning is covered in Level 2 Safeguarding for Children and Adults, including Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) and information-sharing responsibilities.
Here are some helpful organisations:
24hr Domestic Helpline 0808 2000247
The Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
The Mix (for under 25’s) 0808 808 4994
National LGBTQ+ & Domestic Helpline – 0800 999 5428
Samaritans – 116 123
National Centre for Domestic Violence – 08009702070 (Press option 1)
