West Yorkshire Police has worked with partners from across the county to re-launch the Clare’s Law campaign to remind people of the scheme.
A survivor of domestic abuse has spoken with Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) on her own experience of submitting a Clare’s Law request about an ex-partner to West Yorkshire Police and hopes it can encourage others to do the same.
The woman spoke with LDVS as part of their Voice’s Project, with the aim of highlighting how the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare’s Law, can help if you have concerns about your current or ex-partner and how the process works.
Her four-year relationship had ended when the request was submitted, but the information that was given prompted her to come forward and report offences which had occurred during the relationship.
Please see full video here, where she offers an insight into her experiences of submitting a request:
Anyone with concerns about their current or ex-partner can use their ‘right to ask’ to check if there is a history of domestic abuse.
A third-party request can also be made on behalf of someone else. If there is any information to disclose following a third-party request, it may be given to someone else, who is best placed to protect the potential person at risk of harm and not the original requester.
Applications can be made by anyone over the age of 16-years-old. There is an online application form that takes between 5-10 minutes to complete. You can find the online form on the website – Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme Application – Clare’s Law | West Yorkshire Police
To find out more information about Clare’s Law, please visit the Clare’s Law information page – Clare’s Law – Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme | West Yorkshire Police
Detective Superintendent Heather Wilson, Violence Against Women and Girls lead for West Yorkshire Police, said:
“We really value hearing from people first-hand how initiatives such as Clare’s Law have supported them in changing their lives for the better. We hope this also encourages others who may be considering submitting a request to do so.
“If you’re a victim of domestic abuse or if you have concerns for another person, come forward and tell us. It is not your fault, you’ll be listened to, we will carry out checks, and you will be supported.”
The campaign was first launched in 2014 and has provided people with information that helps to make an informed decision that could prevent them or others coming to harm. All requests are dealt with sensitively with police establishing a safe way to contact the applicant and any disclosure being made in person.
Nicola Marlow, Manager of the Leeds Domestic Violence Service Voices Project, said:
“Many women in the Voices Project were unaware of the Clare’s Law disclosure scheme during their abusive relationships. To address this, the Voices Project wanted to raise awareness and empower individuals to access crucial information about their partner’s past.
The victim-survivor featured in the project’s video hopes it encourages others to use Clare’s Law at any time of their relationship but preferably at the start, to reduce their risks of ever experiencing domestic abuse. She was also keen to let victim-survivors know that family members or friends could make the application on their behalf when they may not feel able to do it themselves, for fear for their safety.
Insights from the Voices Project have also led to a new Clare’s Law Confidentiality Statement being launched by West Yorkshire Police, giving permission to individuals to talk to loved ones, enabling them to say they’ve received a disclosure from the police and get much needed support. This change will reduce the isolation some women previously felt.
The courage of victim-survivors has influenced meaningful change in tackling domestic violence and abuse in West Yorkshire, and we thank West Yorkshire Police for valuing their voices.”
Chief Executive Officer Yasmin Khan / A spokesperson from Staying Put, a domestic a sexual abuse support service in Bradford, said:
“Staying Put welcomes the re-launch of Claire’s Law campaign by West Yorkshire Police. The scheme supports women to assess the potential risks associated with their new relationship and make informed choices about their safety and well-being.
“We believe the effectiveness of this scheme relies on working collaboratively, to raise awareness to ensure women are aware of their rights to access the resources and domestic abuse and sexual violence services available to them. If you wish to discuss and learn about Clare’s Law please reach out to our dedicated team on, 0808 2800999.”
Cllr Kamran Hussain, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said:
“Clare’s Law is a vital safeguard that empowers individuals to make informed choices in their relationships by granting access to a partner’s history of domestic abuse. It is an important part of preventing domestic abuse, supporting early intervention, and promoting safer relationships. Bradford Council fully supports all efforts by police and other partners to raise awareness of Clare’s Law.”