A NEW law being trialled in Greater Manchester will give people the right to find out if their partner has a history of domestic violence.
Named ‘Clare’s Law’ following the story of Clare Wood from Salford who was murdered by a former partner, the scheme will allow people to make enquiries about an individual who they are in a relationship with, or who is in a relationship with someone they know, and have a violent or abusive past. Clare Wood's former partner had three previous convictions under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Clare WoodThe Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) pilot, will start on Thursday 6 September in Greater Manchester.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood said: “This pilot is about prevention and exploring new ways of protecting victims of domestic abuse. It helps individuals make an informed decision on whether or not to continue a relationship and will provide help and support to them when making that choice. It will enable police to act in the best interests of those people who believe they are at risk of violence by sharing information of a partners’ violent past.”
Anyone who has concerns that their partner may harm them or a third party, such as a parent, neighbour or friend, who has concerns about someone’s safety, will be able to make a disclosure under Clare’s Law during the year long trials in Greater Manchester, Gwent, Wiltshire and Nottingham.
Hazel Blears MP for Salford and Eccles said: “The pilots here in Greater Manchester and three other areas will provide the evidence to enable this important scheme to become law across the country.”
For further information about the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, or to make a request for information under it, contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or the women’s domestic abuse helpline, Independent Choices, on 0161 636 7525. If there is an immediate risk of harm to someone, or it is an emergency, always call 999.
