272 people in Suffolk warned of partner's violent past in just one year thanks to Clare's Law
Clare's Law was introduced on International Women's Day nine years ago after our campaign following the death of Clare Wood
We can reveal Suffolk Police have told 272 people in the last year that their partner has a history of violence.
Nationally, stats show more than 15,000 people in in the last year alone have been warned by Police of their new partner's violent past .
The data, seen by Greatest Hits Radio, shows how Police forces across England and Wales are using "Clare's Law" (the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) to inform people they are in a relationship with someone who has a history of violence.
It was introduced on International Women's Day 2014, after our campaign following the death of Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend.
It later emerged her killer, who went on to take his own life, had a history of violence against women.
Nine years on, people can now ask Police to disclose information about a new partner under a "Right to Ask" law, or can be told directly of a partner's past under a "Right to Know" law.
Clare's Law applications continue to rise
The latest statistics, which run up to March 2022 show:
- 22,435 people used "Right to Ask" to enquire about a new partner's record
- In 8,383 of those cases Police had information deemed important to pass on
- In 7,283 cases Police proactively approached men and women to tell them about their partner's past
The numbers are higher than 2021, where 6,405 "Right to Know" disclosures were made and 7,037 "Right to Ask" disclosures were made.
Senior News Editor Michelle Livesey, who lead the campaign for Clare's Law told us:
"When myself and Michael Brown, Clare's dad, began campaigning for Clare's Law we always said if one person could be helped as a result it would be worth it.Â
"To see the number of people now using Clare's Law, and more importantly being told about a partner's history, is amazing and it just goes to show what a vital tool it can be in tackling domestic abuse.Â
"Michael sadly passed away in July 2020 but his legacy in his daughter's memory lives on through these figures."
Recorded domestic abuse cases on the rise
Data from the Office For National Statistics found there were more than 1.5m domestic abuse related incidents and crimes in England and Wales in the year to March 2022.
More than 900,000 of these were recorded as domestic abuse related crimes.
The number of these crimes has increased in recent years, with the latest figure 7.7% higher than the year before, and 14.1% higher than the year ending March 2020
You can make your own Clare's Law application by contacting your local police force.
Information on their website will be listed under "Clare's Law" or the "Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme".