More Wiltshire residents using Clare's Law to ask if partner has violent history

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) - also known as Clare's Law - allows a person or concerned family or friends to request information from the police as to whether a partner has a history of abusive or controlling behaviour.

It's then up to police officers to consider the application on a case-by-case basis to check if it's lawful to divulge information back to the person asking.

In 2019 Wiltshire Police had 444 requests made under the scheme compared to 306 in 2018 - a rise of 45% in applications.

This lead to 205 people last year being told their partner had a previous history of abusive behaviour.

Figures for this year already show a trend towards a further increase.

In the six months to August Wiltshire Poice received 348 applications under Clare's Law and made 159 disclosures.

That'a a 15% in applications compared to the same period in 2019 when they were 302 applications and 138 disclosures.

Detective Superintendent Ben Mant, Head of Wiltshire Police's Public Protection Department, said:

"Wiltshire Police is committed to supporting victims and targeting the perpetrators of domestic abuse, which can take many different forms. This can include physical, sexual, financial, emotional and psychological abuse. It is therefore important that victims know what is and isn't acceptable and that they have somewhere to turn to when they think their partner may be acting in a way that causes concern."

"Clare's Law is ultimately about protecting those most susceptible to domestic abuse - whether it is happening now or in the future. We continue to work hard to encourage people to use the scheme, and this is evidenced in our most recent figures where we are seeing a rise in applications."

"As well as the domestic violence disclosure scheme, we have specialist teams to work with victims of domestic abuse who understand the complex nature of this type of behaviour and can work closely with partner agencies to ensure the appropriate advice is provided."

Th figures form part of a campaign launched this week (w/c 21 Sept) by Wiltshire Police to highlight the help available by police and their partners for any victim of domestic abuse.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson funds and commissions a number of victim support services including specialist ones for victims of domestic abuse.

He says its crucial people don't suffer in silence

"My message to anyone suffering abuse from a so called loved one is report it - you are not alone."

CLARE'S LAW- WHO WAS CLARE?

Clare's Law was named after Clare Wood who was murdered by her ex boyfriend in Greater Manchester in 2009.

The 36 year old was strangled and set on fire at her home in Salford by George Appleton.

Clare was unaware of his history of violence against women.

Clare's father, Michael Brown, campaigned for the introduction of the law and the "right to know" about a person's history of violence.

In 2014 Clare’s Law was rolled out in England and Wales in 2014 as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS).

You can find out more information on the DVDS scheme and to how to apply on the Wiltshire Police website. https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/article/680/Clare-s-Law-requesting-domestic-violence-offender-data