If you are in a relationship and worry about your partner’s past, or if you are a friend or family member concerned for someone you care about, you may have heard of Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS). This important safeguard in England and Wales enables people to find out whether a partner has a history of violence or abusive behaviour so they can make informed decisions about their safety. In this article, we explain what Clare’s Law is, how to apply for information, what role Clare’s Law police teams play, and how survivors can access the right support.

What is Clare’s Law?

Clare’s Law allows individuals to ask the police whether their partner, or the partner of someone they know, has a record of violence or abuse. There are two parts to the scheme: the Right to Ask and the Right to Know. The Right to Ask lets people apply for information directly, while the Right to Know allows the police to disclose information without a request if they believe it will prevent harm. The scheme was introduced in 2014 following the murder of Clare Wood in 2009, who was killed by an ex-partner with a violent history she did not know about. According to the UK Government factsheet on the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, this law is designed to help people make safer choices in their relationships.

Who can make a request?

Anyone aged 16 or over can apply for information under the Right to Ask. A third party, such as a family member, close friend or professional, may also make a request on someone’s behalf. The police have specialist Clare’s Law teams that review these applications. For example, West Yorkshire Police explains that their dedicated officers handle third-party requests and assess whether disclosure is justified and safe.

How to apply under Clare’s Law

Survivors or supporters can start the process by contacting their local police force. The easiest way is usually through the national Police.uk Clare’s Law request form. Applications can also be made by calling 101 or by visiting a police station in person. If there is immediate danger, dialling 999 is always the safest step.

The form will ask for details about yourself, the person you are concerned about, and your relationship to them. You may also be asked for any incidents or behaviours that have raised concerns. For guidance, Avon and Somerset Police provide a step-by-step outline of how their local process works, which is broadly similar across the country.

Once submitted, Clare’s Law teams assess each request. They carry out background checks across police and safeguarding databases and then decide whether disclosure is necessary. If relevant information exists, the police will arrange a meeting to share what can legally and safely be disclosed. Sussex Police emphasises that decisions are always based on the need to protect a potential victim.

What happens if information is disclosed?

If the police decide to disclose information, it will normally be given in person during a private meeting. Not all details are shared, but enough to enable the person at risk to make informed choices. This can be difficult to hear, so survivors must know they can access emotional and legal support afterwards. Local charities, helplines, and national organisations such as SARSAS provide clear advice about what to expect.

Why Clare’s Law teams matter

Clare’s Law police teams are more than administrators. They act as referral points, connecting survivors with local and national services. Their role is to ensure that information is shared responsibly and that the survivor has support after disclosure. This is where Domestic Abuse Alliance and WeProcess can play a role, by helping survivors navigate the legal process that may follow. For example, someone who learns that a partner has a violent history may want to seek a protective order. Having access to legal support services straight after disclosure is vital.

Things to consider before applying

Applying under Clare’s Law can be empowering, but survivors should prepare for all possible outcomes:

• No disclosure: In some cases, the police may not find relevant information or may decide disclosure is not appropriate. This does not mean the person is safe, only that the legal threshold for disclosure was not met.

• Emotional impact: Learning about a partner’s past can be distressing. It is wise to have support in place beforehand.

• Privacy: Applications are confidential. The subject of the enquiry is not told who made the request. Police forces such as Devon and Cornwall Police reassure applicants that information is only disclosed to the person at risk or someone in a position to safeguard them.

Beyond England and Wales

Similar schemes exist elsewhere in the UK. For example, Police Scotland runs the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS), which offers comparable protections for people worried about their partner’s past. Northern Ireland also introduced a domestic abuse disclosure scheme in 2018.

If you need more information regarding Domestic abuse, visit our partner, Domestic Abuse Association.

Why this matters for survivors

Clare’s Law has the power to prevent harm and save lives. It ensures that people are not kept in the dark about dangerous histories. It also shows how police forces are working in partnership with communities, charities, and legal providers. The fact that Wikipedia’s entry on Clare’s Law is one of the most accessed pages on the subject underlines how widely people search for this information.

At Domestic Abuse (DA) Alliance, we see Clare’s Law as a pathway to safety and justice. Survivors who receive a disclosure may need urgent legal steps, from securing protective orders to ensuring safe housing. This is where Domestic Abuse Alliance and our partners step in to support survivors through the next stages.

Final thoughts

Making a request under Clare’s Law can be daunting, but it is an important right. Whether the outcome is disclosure or reassurance, it helps people make safer decisions about their relationships. Survivors are not alone: police Clare’s Law teams, domestic abuse charities, and legal support organisations like DA Alliance are all here to help.

If you believe you or someone you care about may be at risk, consider submitting a request through your local police force or via Police.uk. And if disclosure leads you to take legal action, DA Alliance and WeProcess can provide guidance and support every step of the way.