More than 1,300 people have learnt the abusive past of their partners via disclosures from police under Clare’s law which allows police to disclose information about a partner’s previous history of domestic violence or violent acts.
The scheme is named after Clare Wood, 36, from Salford, who was strangled and set on fire in 2009 by her ex-boyfriend who had a hidden history of abuse. The law was passed after a long campaign by Clare’s father Michael Brown to ensure that others did not suffer the same fate as his daughter.
It is a matter for the police as to how they choose to respond to a Clare’s Law request and they can refuse to provide information. However, figures show that Greater Manchester Police is the force most likely to provide information having done so in 60% of cases.
The concern is that this is only the tip of the iceberg and the fact remains that in England and Wales the police receive a call relating to domestic violence every 30 seconds.
If you are a victim of domestic violence please call us on 0161 429 7251 or email us at [email protected] completely confidentially for help and advice as to you options.