Clare’s Law – Making Informed Choices About Relationships

Clare’s Law – Making Informed Choices About Relationships

Dear Resident,

Clare’s Law – Making Informed Choices About Relationships

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their relationships. If you are worried that your current partner may have been abusive in the past, or an ex-partner that you still have contact with, because you're worried that they may be a risk to you —or you have concerns about someone close to you—there is a way to seek information that may help you stay safe.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare’s Law, gives people the right to ask the police whether a partner has a history of abusive or violent behaviour.

How the Scheme Works

Clare’s Law provides a formal process for raising concerns about a relationship. This may relate to:

• A current partner
• An ex-partner that you still have contact with
• Someone you are considering starting a relationship with
• A partner of a friend or family member

You can apply if you have concerns, or simply want to take steps to stay safe. A concerned third party—such as a friend, relative, or neighbour—can also make an application. However, information will be shared with the person best placed to safeguard the potential victim.

There are two parts to the scheme:

• Right to Ask – where you request information from the police
• Right to Know – where police may share information proactively if someone is at risk

What Happens Next

Following an application, the police will carry out checks and assess whether there is a credible risk of harm.

If appropriate, they may share relevant information. Any disclosure will only be made where it is:

• Lawful
• Necessary
• Proportionate

This is always done to help protect you and any children from harm.

Confidentiality and Support

If information is shared, it will be provided confidentially and in a safe setting, along with advice to help you protect yourself.

Please remember:

• Disclosures are strictly confidential and must not be shared further without police consent
• The information is provided to help you make informed decisions
• Checks and disclosures are not a guarantee of safety, and a lack of disclosure does not necessarily mean there is no risk

Support is also available through specialist domestic abuse services.

Making Safer Choices

Clare’s Law is designed to help people make informed decisions about their relationships. You do not need proof of abuse—if you have a genuine concern or simply want reassurance, you can make an enquiry.

Find Out More or Apply

Find out more:
https://www.westmercia.police.uk/clareslaw

Make an enquiry:
https://www.westmercia.police.uk

You can also apply by calling 101, visiting a police station, or speaking to an officer.

In an Emergency

If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.