Clare's Law saves Hundreds
It's been revealed KEY103's Clare's Law has potentially saved the lives of more than 300 people in Greater Manchester alone.
We launched a campaign in 2011 following the murder of Clare Wood in Salford - who was killed by her violent ex boyfriend.
The initiative has been running since 6 September 2012. It gives victims of domestic abuse, their friends, families and authorities the opportunity to apply for information about the person they are in a relationship with – these are known as ‘right to ask’ and ‘right to know’ applications. Since the pilot of the domestic violence disclosure scheme there have been 801 applications made under ‘right to know’ and ‘right to ask’. Of those applications there have been 321 disclosures made (September 2012 – July 2015). In the last rolling year there were 422 applications - an increase of 146 since the previous year and resulting in 159 disclosures.
WATCH: Our Chief Reporter Michelle Livesey breaks the news to Clare's dad Michael Brown, who she campaigned alongside for four years:
Detective Chief Inspector Trish Owen from GMP’s Public Protection Division said: “I am pleased to see that the positive impact that Clare’s Law has had on the community. Hundreds of people have received invaluable information that can help them make informed choices about their relationships. “We know that more needs to be done to ensure that victims and their friends and family are aware of the steps they can take to protect themselves from the potentially devastating consequences that come as a result of domestic abuse. “We want to stop future deaths at the hands of abusive partners and we will be do this by providing victims with the power to regain control of their lives, move forward and enjoy a happier future.”
Anyone can get in touch with police and request a Clare’s Law application. Trust your instincts and spot the signs such as controlling behaviour, the use of violence, public humiliation and objections to you meeting friends and family. Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Clare’s Law is making a positive impact in Greater Manchester. That it has protected more than 300 women from abuse is a true legacy for Clare Wood and I hope this brings some comfort to her family. Clare’s family campaigned so tirelessly for it to be introduced and I hope they will recognise that in Greater Manchester Clare’s Law is now well and truly embedded. “We must continue to raise awareness of this scheme, encourage more people to speak out against abuse, and bring hope to victims and survivors that they will be taken seriously and they will get the support they need.” For further information about the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, or to make a request for information under it, you can search www.gmp.police.uk/clareslaw or contact Greater Manchester Police on 101. You can also visit your nearest police station. All an applicant will need to do is provide the name, address and date of birth of the victim and police will make initial checks will be done to establish if there are any immediate concerns. For further support on domestic abuse, visit endthefear.co.uk or call the Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If there is any immediate risk of harm to someone, or it is an emergency, dial 999.