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.

 

2022

Month Right to Ask Requests Right to Ask Disclosures Right to Know Requests Right to Know Disclosures
January 99 46 64 29
February 104 50 96 52
March 89 46 110 52
April 121 55 94 35
May 131 51 115 51
June 109 49 101 47
July 114 53 116 50
August 124 50 133 52
September 115 50 95 32
October        
November        
December         
Yearly Total 1006 450 927 400

 

 

2021

Month Right to Ask Requests Right to Ask Disclosures Right to Know Requests Right to Know Disclosures
January 88 42 63 36
February 66 31 65 41
March 67 33 85 48
April 92 41 78 44
May 91 45 71 37
June 83 43 65 33
July 85 42 94 45
August 96 41 76 38
September 116 50 87 31
October 119 52 99 51
November 102 56 103 37
December  82 40 95 48
Yearly Total 1087 516 981 489

 

 

2020

Month Right to Ask Requests Right to Ask Disclosures Right to Know Requests Right to Know Disclosures
January 61 28 57 32
February 41 13 50 28
March 51 24 48 29
April 42 19 74 43
May 59 21 65 33
June 72 30 71 34
July 60 26 72 36
August 54 26 65 29
September 55 22 74 39
October 54 22 52 31
November 53 21 72 41
December  58 31 52 24
Yearly Total 660 283 752 399

 

 

Page last reviewed January 2023