Accessing Clare's Law: A Guide To Application Process

Clare's Law, or the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), is a scheme that allows anyone to ask the police about a partner or a close friend or family member's partner if they believe they may pose a risk to them. The scheme was named after Clare Wood, who was murdered in 2009 by her ex-boyfriend, who had a history of violence against women. The scheme gives any member of the public the right to request information from the police about a partner's previous history to see if there has been a history of domestic violence and/or violent acts. The police will then decide whether to share the information with the person at risk. A request under Clare's Law can be made online, over the phone, or by visiting a police station.

How to apply for Clare's Law online

Clare's Law, or the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), is a scheme that allows anyone to ask the police about a partner or a close friend or family member's partner if they believe they may pose a risk to them. The scheme is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered in 2009 by her ex-boyfriend, who had a history of violence against women.

To apply for Clare's Law online, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the website of your local police force. Most police forces have an online application process available through their websites.
• Find the online application form for Clare's Law, also known as a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application.
• Complete the application form, providing your personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, and contact number. You may also be asked about the nature of your relationship with the individual in question.
• Submit the initial application. The police will then complete their initial checks before contacting you to arrange a face-to-face meeting.
• Attend the face-to-face meeting, where the police will gather further information about your relationship and ensure that the application is genuine. You will also be asked to provide identification.
• After the meeting, the police will meet with other agencies to discuss the information you have provided. If they find traces of abusive behaviour or feel there is a risk of violence, they will consider disclosing this information.
• If the police decide to disclose their findings, they will do so in person, and you will be asked to sign a document agreeing to keep the information confidential and not pass it on to anyone else.

It is important to note that Clare's Law is not a substitute for Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) Checks, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, subject access requests, or Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. Additionally, if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, you should call 999.

How to apply for Clare's Law over the phone

Clare's Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, allows you to request information from the police if you believe your partner may be a danger to you. The scheme gives you the right to ask the police if your new or existing partner has a violent or abusive past. This is called the "right to ask".

If you are in the UK, you can make a request by calling 101. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the textphone service on 18001 101. If there is an immediate risk to someone's safety, call 999. If you have a hearing or speech impairment in an emergency situation, you can use the textphone service 18000 or text 999 if you have pre-registered with the emergency SMS service.

When you call, you will need to provide some personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and address. You will also need to provide the same information about your partner. The police will ask you what the safest way to contact you is, as they understand that most people would like to keep this confidential.

Once the initial application is submitted, the police will complete their initial checks before contacting you to arrange a face-to-face meeting. The aim of this meeting is to gather some further information about the nature of your relationship and ensure that the application is genuine and not malicious. You will also be asked to provide identification.

Please note that the Clare's Law (DVDS) scheme does not replace CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) Checks, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, subject access requests, or FOI requests.

How to apply for Clare's Law in person

Clare's Law, or the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), allows individuals to request information from the police about a partner or ex-partner's history of abusive offences and potential risk of violence or abuse. This law was established in memory of Clare Wood, who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009.

• Visit your local police station: Go to your nearest police station and inform them that you wish to make a request under Clare's Law.
• Provide personal information: You will be required to disclose your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, address, and contact information.
• Discuss your concerns: Explain to the police officer why you are concerned about your partner or ex-partner's potential for abusive behaviour. You can also request information on behalf of a close friend, neighbour, or family member if you believe they are at risk.
• Prove your identity: The police will ask you to provide identification to confirm your identity.
• Initial checks: After submitting your application, the police will conduct initial checks and assessments to determine if the person named in the application poses a risk to their partner.
• Face-to-face meeting: The police will arrange a face-to-face meeting with you to gather additional information about your relationship. They will also ensure that your application is genuine and not malicious.
• Information disclosure: If the police find traces of abusive behaviour or believe there is a risk of violence, they will consider disclosing this information to you. This disclosure will be done in person, and you will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement.
• Safety plan: If necessary, the police will provide you with a safety plan tailored to your needs to ensure your protection.

Remember that the process is strictly confidential, and any information disclosed should not be shared with anyone else without the police's consent.

Who can apply for Clare's Law

Clare's Law, or the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), is a scheme that allows anyone to ask the police about a partner or a close friend or family member's partner if they believe they may pose a risk to them. The scheme is open to all, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Clare's Law is for anyone who wants to find out if someone they are in a relationship with has a record of abusive offences or indicates a risk of violence or abuse. A request can also be made by a third party, such as a parent, neighbour, or friend who has concerns about someone's safety in a relationship.

The process of applying for Clare's Law can be done in person at a local police station, over the phone by calling 101, or online through an application form on the police website. The application form requires personal information, including name, date of birth, address, and contact number. The police will then conduct initial checks and arrange a face-to-face meeting to gather more information about the relationship and ensure the application is genuine.

It is important to note that the information disclosed by the police under Clare's Law is treated as confidential and should not be shared with anyone else.

What happens after applying for Clare's Law

After applying for Clare's Law, the police will conduct an assessment to determine if the person named in the application poses a risk to their partner based on previous convictions or a history of abusive behaviour. This process involves gathering information about the nature of the relationship and reviewing records for any indications of abusive or violent offences. The police will collaborate with other agencies, such as prison services and social services, to make an informed decision.

If the police identify a risk of harm, they will consider sharing this information with the person at risk. This disclosure of information is done in person and aims to help individuals make more informed decisions about their relationships. The police may also provide help and support to potential victims when deciding whether to continue the relationship. It is important to note that the police will not disclose information to the applicant directly but will facilitate a face-to-face meeting to communicate their findings.

Prior to any disclosure, the recipient will be required to sign a document agreeing to keep the information confidential and not pass it on to anyone else. This confidentiality agreement is to ensure that the information is used solely for the purpose of protecting the potential victim. Additionally, the police have the discretion to prevent the recipient from discussing the disclosed information with others if they believe there is a risk of it being shared further.

The police will also assess whether the information should be shared with a third party, such as a friend or family member, if they believe that person is better positioned to safeguard the potential victim. This decision is made based on the specific circumstances and the need to protect individuals who may be vulnerable.

It is important to remember that Clare's Law, or the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), provides a valuable tool to help protect individuals from potential abuse. However, if there is an immediate risk to someone's safety, it is crucial to contact the emergency services by calling 999.

Frequently asked questions