Clares Law rolled out nationally

Clare's Law – a scheme allowing police to disclose details of an abusive partner’s past – was launched 8 March across England and Wales to mark International Women's Day.

Clare’s Law – the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – is designed to provide victims with information that may protect them from an abusive situation before it ends in tragedy. The scheme allows the police to disclose information about a partner’s previous history of domestic violence or violent acts.

The launch follows a 14-month pilot in 4 police force areas, which provided more than 100 people with potentially life-saving information.

From 8 March Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) are also being rolled out across England and Wales. This new power will enable police and magistrates’ courts to provide protection to victims in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “Domestic abuse shatters lives and this government is working hard to provide police and local authorities with the tools they need to keep women and girls safe.

Clare’s Law and DVPOs are just two of a raft of measures we have introduced to hand control back to the victim by ensuring they can make informed decisions about their relationship and escape if necessary.

Protection for victims is improving but sadly there are still too many cases where vulnerable people are let down.

I am determined to see a society where violence against women and girls is not tolerated, where people speak out, and where no woman or girl has to suffer domestic abuse.”

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – often known as Clare’s Law – is named after Clare Wood who was brutally murdered 5 years ago by her former partner George Appleton, who had a record of violence against women.

Read the rest at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/clares-law-rolled-out-nationally-on-international-womens-day