Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), empowers individuals to check a partner's history of domestic abuse. Learn how it works, who can apply, and why it matters in this blog.
What is it?
What is Clare’s Law? This law is officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), is a UK legal framework that allows individuals to request information about their partner’s history of domestic abuse or violent offenses.
The purpose of Clare’s Law is to help people make informed decisions about their relationships and prevent harm before it occurs.
Why was Clare’s law introduced?
The law is named after Clare Wood, a victim of domestic abuse violence who was tragically murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend, George Appleton.
Appleton had a history of domestic violence and had already served three prison sentences prior to their relationship. He had abused multiple women and was known to the Greater Manchester Police.
In February 2009, Clare was tragically strangled and set on fire by Appleton, who later took his own life. A review by the Independent Police Complaints Commission revealed multiple failures in how authorities handled Clare’s case.
Clare’s family campaigned for greater transparency, leading to the introduction of Clare’s Law in 2014.
This scheme has since become a vital tool in preventing domestic violence and ensuring people have access to important information about their partners.
Why is it important?
1. Prevents Domestic Abuse Before It Starts
Many victims don’t realise they are in danger until the abuse has escalated. Clare’s Law helps people identify risks early by allowing them to check if their partner has a history of domestic violence.
2. Empowers Individuals with Information
Having access to someone’s history of domestic abuse enables individuals to make informed choices. Knowledge is power, and Clare’s Law provides the opportunity to leave a dangerous relationship before it’s too late.
3. Supports Victims Seeking Help
For those already in abusive relationships, Clare’s Law can serve as evidence to seek support, whether from the police, charities, or family. Many victims stay because they doubt their concerns—this law confirms whether they are at risk.
4. Holds Offenders Accountable
By allowing access to domestic abuse records, Clare’s Law ensures offenders are held accountable and prevents repeat abuse. It sends a message that abuse has consequences and that individuals can take action.
How does it work?
Clare’s Law operates under two types of requests:
The Right to Ask
If you are concerned about your partner’s history, you can apply for a Clare’s Law disclosure from the police. Family members and friends can also request information on behalf of someone they believe is at risk
The Right to Know
If police believe someone is in immediate danger, they can proactively disclose information about an individual’s history of domestic violence, even if the person at risk has not requested it.
How to apply for a disclosure
If you or someone you know is concerned about a partner’s past, you can request a disclosure through the local police station, online, or by calling 101.
The process to make disclosure involves:
- Submitting a Request – You must provide basic information about yourself and the person you are requesting information about.
- Identity Verification – The police will confirm your identity to ensure confidentiality.
- Risk Assessment – Law enforcement will check their database to determine if disclosure is necessary.
- Receiving the Information – If relevant records are found, a private meeting is arranged to share the information.
Important: The police will only disclose relevant domestic violence-related offenses, not a full criminal record.
Early Confirmation Checks (If Your Status Changes)
If your certificate included a barred list check, and the status changes to “No longer current,” your employer might wish to perform an early confirmation check to see if you have been barred. This only applies if:
- You’re subscribed to the DBS Update Service.
- A recent status check shows the certificate is no longer up to date.
- You consent to the early confirmation check.
- The certificate originally included a check of one or both barred lists.
If the employer discovers you have been barred, they are likely to take immediate action, such as withdrawing a job offer or terminating employment.
How is it helpful?
Case Study 1: Preventing Abuse Before It Happens
Sophie had concerns about her new boyfriend’s aggressive behaviour. She applied for a Clare’s Law disclosure and found out he had a history of domestic abuse convictions. This information gave her the confidence to end the relationship before it turned violent.
Case Study 2: Helping a Loved One
Jake was worried about his sister’s new boyfriend, who was controlling and isolating her from family. He used his Right to Ask, and police confirmed the man had multiple domestic abuse-related offenses. With this information, Jake helped his sister safely leave the relationship.
Who Can Request a Disclosure?
- Individuals in relationships who want to check their partner’s history.
- Family or friends concerned about someone they believe is at risk.
- Support workers, social services, and police officers who suspect potential harm.
Under this law, you have the right to:
- Request information about your current or former partner if you’re concerned, they may have a history of abuse and could pose a risk to you.
- Apply for details on a friend or relative’s current or ex-partner if you believe they might be in danger.
Does Clare’s Law Replace DBS Checks or Criminal Record Checks?
Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme - DVDS) does not replace a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service), CRB check (Criminal Records Bureau), subject access requests, or Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
- Clare’s Law is designed specifically to provide information about a person’s history of domestic abuse to protect those at risk.
- DBS checks are used by employers to screen individuals for criminal history, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare, education, and social care. Learn more about DBS Checks here.
- Subject Access Requests allow individuals to request their full criminal record, while FOI requests provide general public information held by authorities.
Enhancing Clare’s Law Searches with Della’s Law:
Della’s Law strengthens Clare’s Law by closing a dangerous loophole that allowed offenders to erase their past by changing their names.
Survivor Della Wright discovered that her abuser had repeatedly changed his identity, allowing him to continue his predatory behaviour undetected. Her fight for justice exposed a major flaw in the system—one that Della’s Law now addresses.
By strengthening identity checks, Della’s Law ensures that Clare’s Law searches reveal a person’s true history, offering greater protection to those at risk of domestic abuse.
Why this matters:
- Prevents name changes from hiding domestic abuse convictions
- Enhances Clare’s Law disclosures for more accurate records
- Strengthens safeguarding by improving law enforcement tracking
Both Clare’s Law and Della’s Law work together to protect individuals and ensure that domestic abuse offenders cannot manipulate the system to avoid detection.
Conclusion
Clare’s Law is a crucial tool for safeguarding individuals from domestic abuse, giving people the right to access vital information about their partner’s past. By understanding how it works and how to apply, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves and others.
Concerned about a partner’s past? Contact your local police or call 101 to apply for a disclosure under Clare’s Law.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of violence you can get support from Women’s Aid or Refuge.
