Worried that someone you know might have a history of domestic abuse? Clare’s Law can help you.

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Worried that someone you know might have a history of domestic abuse? Clare's Law can help you.

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The right to ask/know is commonly known as Clare's Law, or more formally the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), as was formally rolled out in England and Wales in 2014 and is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009.

Under Clare's Law, you have the right to "Ask":

• If you are worried that your partner or ex-partner has a previous known history of abuse or if they are a potential risk to you, you can ask so that you can find out if they have an abusive past.
• If you're worried that a friend, neighbour or family member is at risk of abuse, you can ask on their behalf so that the person at risk can find out if their partner or ex-partner has an abusive past.

Under Clare's Law, you also have the right to "Know":

The "Right to Know" enables the police to make a disclosure on their own initiative if they receive information about the violent or abusive behaviour of a person that may impact on the safety of that person's current or ex-partner. This could be information arising from a criminal investigation, through statutory or third sector agency involvement, or from another source of police intelligence.

What happens when an application is made?

The police will assess if the person is a risk to their partner based on previous known violence or abuse convictions. The police will contact you to arrange a date and time to share appropriate information with you so that you can make an informed decision about your next steps.

What support can I have if I am to receive information via a Clare' s Law?

If the police think you could be at risk from your current or ex-partner, they can seek support from a Domestic Abuse Advocate/IDVA, who can offer specialist domestic abuse support to you at the time when the police share any information with you or following disclosure.

If the police contact you regarding a Clare's Law disclosure - ask them to arrange for a domestic abuse support advocate can attend with them.

When might a DVDS not be needed?

When a full police disclosure has been obtained by children's social care. The Social Worker can share basic details of risk, omitting any names. This will ensure that victims are aware that there is a domestic abuse history.

The GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 do not prevent, or limit, the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping children and young people safe.

How to make a request

A Clare's Law request can be made by calling 101, online or at a police station. Online requests can be made at: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse

For further information visit www.clares-law.com

Where can I turn for help?

If you, your child, or anyone in the family are at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police urgently, call 999. If you are not at immediate risk but are concerned, please contact one of the services listed below:

Knowsley Council Safer Communities Service (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 443 2610

[email protected]

Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub

Tel: 0151 443 2600

The First Step (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)

Tel: 0151 548 3333

Website: www.thefirststep.org.uk

Savera UK

Helpline 0800 107 0726

www.saverauk.co.uk

Support is also available through:

• National Domestic violence Helpline 0808 2000 247

• Men's Advice Line 0808 801 0327

• LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428

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