Podcast: Clare's Law - 10 years on

1\0 years ago, on International Women's Day, Clare's law was introduced as the UK government rolled out the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme across England and Wales.

We've been looking back at the impact of the law in an exclusive podcast marking 10 years since the introduction of Clare's Law.

Here's the latest episode:

Who inspired Clare's Law?

The scheme was set up in memory of 36-year-old Clare Wood, who was brutally murdered by ex-boyfriend George Appleton in Salford in 2009.

It later emerged George had an extensive criminal past - something Clare didn't know about.

After her death Clare's dad Michael Brown, Salford MP Hazel Blears and Bauer Media journalist Michelle Livesey led a campaign calling for a change in the law.

In 2014 - they succeeded with the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme being introduced.in March.

10 years since Clare's Law was introduced

It's been a decade since Clare's Law was introduced and in that time it's allowed thousands of people to find out about their partner's past criminal convictions.

We're taking a look at the impact of this landmark piece of legislation, hearing from political leaders, academincs and victims themselves.

This podcast series tells the story of Clare Wood. It features some of the people who were closest to her, as well as those who campaigned to change the law in her name.

Michelle Livesey, the original journalist who helped push for the law change, hosts our special investigation.

What is Clare's Law?

For the first time, Clare's Law allowed people to seek answers about their partners' previous criminal convictions, something that could prevent them from becoming victims of domestic abuse.

Since then, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme has been rolled out UK-wide, with similar initiatives introduced in places as far away as Canada and Australia.

Clare's legacy has seen millions of people given access to empowering and potentially life-saving information worldwide.

Episode 1

After a string of unsuccesful relationships, single mum Clare meets a new man on Facebook. It would later emerge her new partner, George Appleton, is hiding a deadly secret:

Episode 2

In February 2009 Clare Wood was found dead at home in Salford. Police immediately began a manhunt for ex-partner George Appleton. Her death raised a key question - why wasn't Clare told about George's violent past?

Episode 3

After Clare's murder her father, Michael Brown, asked authorities a simple question – why wasn’t she told about her ex-boyfriend's violent past? Episode 3 of our Clare’s Law podcast hears how we took calls for change to Westminster.

Episode 4

The campaign for Clare's Law ramps up as Michelle and Michael, alongside Salford MP Hazel Blears, take a petition to Downing Street. Episode 4 also looks at how police forces trialled an early version of the Clare's Law scheme.

Episode 5

Making 10 years of Clare’s Law. Episode 5 of the podcast considers if the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme is working to protect abuse victims in both the UK and elsewhere - and whether it can be improved.

Episode 6

In this final episode of the series we return to Westminster - to hear from those in power about the legacy of Clare's Law... and where the government could go further to protect vulnerable people at risk of domestic abuse.

Bonus Episode: My Clare's Law Story

In this special bonus episode of Clare's Law, we speak to Rebecca Anderson. She found the courage to report her ex to police after being subjected to a sexual assault - after hearing about his past through Clare's Law.

Clare's Law is presented by Michelle Livesey. The series producer is Matt Soanes. Additional interviews were recorded by Georgie Prodromou and Liam Ross. Series artwork by Owen Arands.

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