Planned changes to Clare's Law welcomed by Wiltshire PCC
Victims of domestic abuse to get faster information
Plans to reduce the number of days that police forces have to disclose information about a person’s violent or abusive behaviour have been welcomed by Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), known as Clare’s Law, came into force in 2014.
The scheme enables members of the public to ask police for information on their partner’s criminal history to know if they are at risk of violence or abuse.
139 were given information by Wiltshire Police in the 12 months to March 2021 under the 'right to ask' element.
Clare's Law also empowers police forces, under the 'right to know' aspect to proactively tell people if they're associating with someone who has previously been violent or abusive with 99 receiving that information in the same period.
The government wants to make access to the information faster cutting the time police have to disclose it from 35 to 28 days with the proposals now out for consultation.
Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson said a quicker turnaround for victims and potential victims could make a big difference.
“I very much welcome a quicker turnaround by police forces in their information disclosures of this type. Any measures which can be taken and means victims, or potential victims, get timely and relevant information faster so they can move to protect themselves can only be an improvement.
“It is absolutely right that police forces provide this to ensure better support and faster protection for victims of violence and abuse. By doing this we are protecting the most vulnerable in our society, as well as moving to prevent violence and domestic abuse from happening in the first place.
“Both the Chief Constable and I are committed to reducing violence and serious harm crime in Wiltshire, and it is a key priority within my new police and crime plan.
“We have ensured there is an increased strategic focus on tackling violence against women and girls across the county and, based upon operational advice, we have invested more than £750,000 in this financial year to deliver this strategy.”
Adhering to Clare’s Law – and implementing any new measures – is just one way Wiltshire Police help to deliver the commissioner’s strategic policing blueprint for the county: Making Wiltshire Safer.
In the plan, the PCC has prioritised reducing violence and domestic abuse, and violence against women and girls.
Mr Wilkinson said:
“Underpinning the strategic direction for my police and crime plan has always been the core philosophy that one victim is one victim too many.
“These planned new guidelines will mean people will be able to gain access to critical information, earlier and quicker than before, potentially preventing abuse or violence happening or providing victims with the catalyst to seek relevant help and support.
He also stressed the importance of having access to specialist support.
Victims of domestic violence or abuse can get help and support from support services across Wiltshire by calling Splitz Support Service on 01225 775276 or on the out of hours helpline 01225 712880.
In an emergency dial 999.
You can find details of how to make an application under Clare's Law on the Wiltshire Police website.