New 'Clare's Law' initiative to help protect potential victims of domestic violence across Northern Ireland
Scheme allows men and women 'right to ask' about partners' background
A new safeguard that could prevent both men and women entering into a relationship with a potentially abusive partner, was launched today (Monday) in Northern Ireland.
The 'Claire's Law' initiative is similar to those already in place in England and Wales.
This was set up after the murder of Clare Wood, a mother-of-one from Salford who was strangled and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, who turned out to be a domestic abuse predator with three previous convictions.
The scheme gives those who suspect their partners of having a violent past, their families, friends and the authorities the opportunity to apply for information about the person they are are in a relationship with, known as "right to ask" and "power to tell" applications.
The ‘Right to Ask’ provides a way for a potential victim to directly apply to police for information.
Applications can only be made via the PSNI or the nidirect website.
The ‘Power to Tell’ provision allows police to act on information that may come to their attention by other means.
Police will assess the degree of risk and act accordingly.
The decision making process will involve a number of safeguards and will be carried out in conjunction with relevant agencies and both procedures are expected to take around 42-45 days.
'Clare's Law' came into force after Downtown & Cool FM's Bauer UK sister stations started the ‘Clare’s Law’ campaign in July 2011.
The Manchester-based Key 103's then Chief reporter Michelle Livesey decided to take-on a Coroner’s comments calling for "a change in the law" to better protect women against Domestic Violence.
Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice, Nick Perry, said: “Violence or abuse in the home, in whatever form it takes, is wrong. It should never be tolerated; it should never be ignored; and it should never, ever be something a person should have to deal with alone.
“The Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme is aimed at helping to keep people safe. It will empower men and women to take informed decisions about an existing relationship. It will help prevent abuse and violence in the home by providing a safe and confidential channel offering support and guidance. Ultimately, this scheme will help to create a safe community where we respect the law and each other.
“I would encourage anyone to look for the signs of domestic violence and abuse, and to apply to the scheme if they are worried about the abusive history of their partner, or someone else’s.”
Working in partnership with other bodies, DVADS will be delivered by the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Public Protection Branch.
Discussing the new Scheme Detective Superintendent Ryan Henderson from the Public Protection Branch said: “We welcome the opportunity to have been involved in the development of this new scheme. An important part of our role as police officers is to prevent people from becoming victims and this will help to achieve that goal.
“Previously, it would have been difficult for someone entering a new relationship to find out or be aware if their new partner had any prior convictions for violence or domestic abuse.
“We respond to an incident of domestic abuse every 18 minutes. We know that domestic abuse is a frightening crime which can affect anyone often leaving them feeling isolated and alone. However, we know that many incidents of domestic abuse still go un-reported.
“Anyone suffering from domestic abuse is encouraged to contact their local police on the non-emergency 101 or in an emergency always call 999.”
Introduction of DVADS is considered a positive step forward in helping to address the abhorrent problem of domestic violence and abuse, which continues to blight our society.
It will help ensure that victims of domestic violence and abuse in Northern Ireland are afforded the same level of protection as those living in the rest of the United Kingdom.
To find out how to apply for DVADS, go to www.nidirect.gov.uk/see-the-signs
In an emergency call 999.