Clare’s Law – Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme (from GMP leaflet and Fortalice)
If you’re worried that your partner may have been abusive in the past, the police may be able to check whether they have a record of abusive behaviour. The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, known as Clare’s Law, could allow you to be told about the criminal history of your partner or ex-partner. Anyone can apply for a disclosure using Clare’s Law including someone worried about their own relationship, or even someone else’s to find out if they are at risk of domestic abuse.
There are four steps;
Step 1: Initial contact with the police
Step 2: Face to face meeting to complete the application
Step 3: The police make a decision as to whether they are able to shar any information with you
Step 4: Possible disclosure of information from the police
If you want to talk about making an application you can;
- Make an online request by inputting “Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)” or follow the link Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)
- Visit a police station
- Phone 101, the non-emergency number for the police
- Speak to a member of the police on the street
If you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to someone, or it is an emergency, you should always call 999.
