Clare’s Law

What Is Clare’s Law?

Clare’s Law, officially called the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), gives you the legal right to ask the police if your partner or someone you are concerned about has a known history of abuse. It was introduced after the tragic death of Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2009. Clare had no idea about his violent past. Her story highlighted a dangerous gap in public protection, which this law now tries to close. Clare’s Law exists to prevent that silence from costing more lives.

How Does Clare’s Law Work?

Clare’s Law has two parts:

1. The Right to Ask

You can ask the police if someone you are in a relationship with or someone you know is a potential risk. You might make a request if:

• You feel something is “off” but don’t have evidence
• You have seen controlling, aggressive, or strange behaviour
• A friend or family member is in a new or worrying relationship

2. The Right to Know

The police may decide to share information if:

• They believe there is a risk of harm
• The disclosure is necessary to protect someone’s safety or life

This information is confidential and is only shared with the person at risk or someone in a position to protect them.

How to Make a Request Under Clare’s Law (UK)

You can:

• Visit your local police station
• Call 101 (non-emergency police number)
• Go through your local police website online

You will be asked for:

• Basic personal details
• The name of the person you are concerned about
• Any specific worries or behaviours you’ve noticed

Police may conduct background checks and follow safeguarding procedures. If a disclosure is made, support is often offered too.

Why Clare’s Law Matters

In abusive relationships, the early signs are not always clear. Many abusers have a pattern of behaviour that repeats with every partner. Clare’s Law gives people a chance to make informed decisions before harm happens.

For migrant communities and marginalised groups, where:

• Shame, loyalty to family, or fear of authority may silence concerns
• Language barriers or immigration status create extra layers of risk
  Clare’s Law can be a powerful lifeline.

Clare’s Law is for anyone in the UK, regardless of:

• Gender or sexuality
• Immigration status
• Cultural background
• Whether or not you’ve reported abuse

You can also make a request on behalf of someone else if you are worried about them. If something feels wrong, you don’t have to wait until it becomes dangerous.
Clare’s Law is not about spying. It’s about safety. It’s about prevention.
It’s about making sure what happened to Clare never happens again.