Clare’s Law
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, known as Clare’s Law, is intended to provide information that could protect someone from being a victim of attack.
The aim of this scheme is to give members of the public a formal mechanism to make enquiries about an individual who they are in a relationship with or who is in a relationship with someone they know, and there is a concern that the individual may be abusive towards their partner.
Right to Ask: For the public
Clare’s Law will give some help to those people who think they have a partner who may be acting in a certain way which suggests that they are somebody who is violent. It enables that individual to then go to the police and they’ve got the right to ask for information about that partner. In some circumstances, it has now been extended to apply to ex-partners as well. This enables somebody to know whether their partner has a record of violence, and to be able to take a decision as to whether to stay with them or not. If they have already separated from their partner, it may also help with decisions to safeguard themselves and their family.
Absolutely anyone can apply for a disclosure using Clare’s Law, so if someone is worried about their own relationship, or someone else’s, they can make a request for information to find out if there is a risk of abuse.
How to contact Essex Police about domestic abuse:
- 999 – if there is immediate risk to life
- Police stations – come into any police station in Essex and you will be able to talk to someone
- 101 – the non-emergency phone number. Call this to ask for advice and begin the application for a disclosure
- Officers or PCSOs on the street – each knows what advice to give you and how to start the application process for disclosure
To find out more about Clare’s Law please click on the ‘Download File’ button appearing below.
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