Clare’s Law - Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

Police forces are allowed to disclose information to a potential victim and have a duty to protect members of the public from domestic abuse under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme - also known as "Clare’s Law".

Clare's Law Campaign

The West Yorkshire Police Clare's Law campaign was launched to encourage anyone with concerns about their current or ex-partner to use their ‘right to ask’ to check whether they have a history of domestic abuse.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare’s Law, has been in place in West Yorkshire since 2014. The number of requests has been increasing over recent years but West Yorkshire Police is keen to ensure that all members of the public are aware of their right to ask whether their partner or ex-partner poses a risk to them.

Applications can be made by males or females over the age of 16-years-old in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. If police checks show that the partner or ex-partner has a record of abusive behaviour or there is other information to indicate the applicant may be at risk, a multi-agency decision will be taken on what information should be shared.

Click here to read our Clare's Law Campaign news release

Scroll down to read more about Clare's Law and how you can apply and use your right to ask.

 

YouTube Video – Eilish Kagbo, Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Worried your partner may have an abusive past? Get in touch

Contact the Police on 101

If we can find information that would protect you, we will tell you

If you suspect your partner may have a history of domestic abuse, ask us

Contact the Police on 101

Their past doesn't have to ruin your future


Clare's Law - your right to ask - how to make a request

Police forces are allowed to disclose information to a potential victim and have a duty to protect members of the public from domestic abuse.

A disclosure under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law) may be generated by a:

  • Right to know obligation on the police to disclose; or
  • Right to ask application from a member of the public.

The following documents provide more information on how to apply for information under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, and cover the following : -

  • What is the scheme?
  • Who can ask for disclosure?
  • How to make an application
  • The next steps

Along with support information and telephone helplines.

 

Clare's Law - In a Relationship Request

If you are in a relationship and are worried that your partner may have been abusive in the past, read further information about In a Relationship Requests here

 

Clare's Law - Third Party Request

Concerned about someone you know who is in a relationship and may be at risk of domestic abuse? Read further information about Third Party Requests here

 

Clare's Law - Online Application

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law) online application form

 

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law) Disclosure Requests

The data below shows the number of disclosure requests (both right to know and right to ask) recorded by West Yorkshire Police and the number of disclosures made.

It is the responsibility of a Multi-Agency Decision Making Body as to;

  • whether a disclosure should be made;
  • what should be disclosed;
  • who a disclosure will be made to;
  • who should make the disclosure;
  • whether the views of the subject should be sought about making the disclosure;
  • whether the subject should be informed that a disclosure has been made; and
  • whether and what additional safeguarding action should be taken to protect a potential victim.

West Yorkshire Police launched a Clare’s Law campaign on 24th January 2019 to raise awareness of the scheme.  As a result, the force has seen an increase in requests made by the public and also the police considering a right to know disclosure.  The force strives to ensure that all victims or potential victims are effectively safeguarded against perpetrators of domestic abuse.

 

2023

MonthRight to Ask RequestsRight to Ask DisclosuresRight to Know RequestsRight to Know Disclosures
January155719941
February1587210639
March1526511254
April1365710955
May1446013355
June1505912457
July1516214169
August1667310954
September1687313960
October1686015359
November1355213853
December 1283410732
Yearly Total18117401470628

*As of February 2024

 

2022

 
MonthRight to Ask RequestsRight to Ask DisclosuresRight to Know RequestsRight to Know Disclosures
January99466429
February104509652
March894611052
April121559435
May1315111551
June1094910147
July1145311650
August1245013352
September115519533
October130568734
November1345111658
December 1154810241
Yearly Total13855991232526

 

2021

MonthRight to Ask RequestsRight to Ask DisclosuresRight to Know RequestsRight to Know Disclosures
January88426336
February66316541
March67338548
April92417844
May91457137
June83436533
July85429445
August96417638
September116508731
October119529951
November1025610337
December 82409548
Yearly Total1087516981489

 

2020

MonthRight to Ask RequestsRight to Ask DisclosuresRight to Know RequestsRight to Know Disclosures
January61285732
February41135028
March51244829
April42197443
May59216533
June72307134
July60267236
August54266529
September55227439
October54225231
November53217241
December 58315224
Yearly Total660283752399

 

 

Page last reviewed February 2024.