People enquiring about domestic abuse increases in Wiltshire
Clare's Law allows people to request information from police, to see if their partner has a history of violence or domestic abuse.
Last updated 29th Sep 2020
Wiltshire Police has seen an increase in the number of people applying for information about their partner, to see if they have a 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 officers to consider the application on a case-by-case basis, checking if it’s lawful to divulge information back to the person asking.
Figures for 2018 show 306 applications and 156 disclosures compared to 2019 figures of 444 applications and 205 disclosures - a rise of 45% in applications between 2018 and 2019.
Figures for January to August 2019 show 302 applications and 138 disclosures compared to January to August 2020 (latest figures) - 348 applications and 159 disclosures - a rise of 15% in applications over the past year.
These figures form part of a campaign launched this week (w/c 21 Sept) by Wiltshire Police, to highlight the help available from the force for any domestic abuse victim.
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.
“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."
Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson, said:
"Anything that can help and protect victims of domestic abuse is a good thing.
"Clare's Law is one of the measures available to the public and police to provide help to anyone who may become or is already a victim of domestic abuse.
"However, as these latest figures reflect, people are contacting the police.
"Through this latest campaign I want to raise awareness of the services that are in place to help in particular those who have become a victim of domestic abuse."
WHAT IS CLARE'S LAW - WHO WAS SHE?
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