The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is often called ‘Clare’s Law’ after the landmark case of the murder of Clare Wood by her partner in 2009 that led to it. Clare’s Law gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. Under Clare’s Law, a member of the public can also make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member.
The application process
Once an application is made, police and partner agencies will carry out a range of checks.
If these reveal a record of abusive offences, or suggest a risk of violence or abuse, they will consider sharing this information.
The aim is to help people to make a more informed decision on whether to continue a relationship and provide help and support when making that choice.
If it is decided to reveal what is found, also called making a ‘disclosure’, this will usually be to the person at risk. This is unless, in the circumstances, someone else is better placed to use the information to protect the person at risk from abuse.
There may be occasions when they won’t let you know whether a disclosure has or hasn’t been made.
Any disclosure will be made in person; none of the disclosure is made in writing and you won’t be given any documents.
How to make an application under Clare’s Law
To make an application you’ll need to call 101; they will take the details and talk you through the next steps.
You’ll need to give your:
- name
- address
- date of birth
Online
You will need the following details, if possible, to make your request:
- The full name and any previous names of the person you are applying to find out about (in the request process this person is known as the “subject”)
- The current address and any previous addresses in the last five years for the subject
- As part of the request the police will ask how you would like to be contacted. The police will only contact you by the method you have specified. They will also ask you when it is best to contact you e.g. dates and times.
Average completion time: 15 minutes
Please Note: You won’t be able to save your request as you go; you will have two hours to complete each step of the form before it times out
At the Police Station
You can go to any police station to make a request. A police officer or a member of police staff will take down some details and talk through the next steps.
You will be asked to give the following details:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
A safe means of contacting you will be agreed and the police will carry out some initial checks to make sure there are no immediate risks or concerns. If there are, or if you tell the police a crime has happened (domestic abuse is a crime) they may act on that.