Tackling a history of violence: Clare’s Law expanded
Clare’s Law, a pilot scheme to protect women from domestic violence by a partner, is to be extended in England and Wales from March 2014.
The scheme was trialled for 12 months from September 2012 to allow women to check police records to see if a partner has a violent past.
Clare Wood
It was named after Clare Wood, 36, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton at her home in Salford in February 2009.
The mother of one had met Appleton on Facebook, unaware of his history of violence against women including repeated harassment, threats and the knifepoint kidnapping of another ex-girlfriend.
Clare’s Law provides people with the information they need to escape an abusive situation – Theresa May
Home Secretary Theresa May told the Sun that 88 women were killed by a violent partner or ex-partner last year, and said there was “considerable confusion” about when or if police can share information on someone’s violent past with the public.
She said: “Domestic abuse shatters lives – Clare’s Law provides people with the information they need to escape an abusive situation before it ends in tragedy.
“The national scheme will ensure that more people can make informed decisions about their relationship and escape if necessary. This is an important step towards ensuring we do better by women like Clare Wood in the future.”
Read more: Home Office set to unveil Clare's law
The pilot scheme ran in Greater Manchester, Gwent, Wiltshire and Nottingham, where the Sun said around 400 women were given information.
Wiltshire Police revealed that, since the scheme was first piloted in the county, a total of 118 applications for disclosure have been made, with 22 disclosures having been granted.
These include 39 Right to Ask and 79 Right to Know applications. Wiltshire Police also piloted Domestic Violence Protection Orders.
Protection orders
They were one of three police force areas – along with Greater Manchester and West Mercia – to trial the scheme which ensures that perpetrators of domestic violence are banned from molesting a victim, or going near their home, for up to 28 days.
Since the start of the Home Office-led pilot in Wiltshire in July 2011, a total of 246 DVPOs have been applied for in court, with 208 of those granted.
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Pat Geenty said: “I fully support today’s decision from the Home Office and am proud that Wiltshire Police, along with a number of our partner agencies, have played such an integral part in the inception of both the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme and Domestic Violence Protection Orders.
“Wiltshire Police remains committed to supporting victims and targeting the perpetrators of domestic abuse.
“I must commend the endeavours of my staff, as well as those who work for our partner agencies, for their commitment and drive in ensuring the success of these pilot schemes.”