Clare's Law

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is often called ‘Clare’s Law’ after the domestic homicide of Clare Woods in 2009.

The aim of Clare’s Law is to help individuals make informed choices on whether to continue a relationship if their partner has a history of abuse.

Clare’s Law allows any individual the right to ask the police if they feel their partner may have a history of abuse which poses a risk to them. Any third party can also make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member.

Once a Clare’s Law application has been made, police and partner agencies will carry out a range of checks. If these reveal a record of abusive offences, or suggest a risk of violence or abuse, the police will share this information with the person at risk.

If it is decided a disclosure should be made, this only will be made to the person at risk. The police will not inform the person at risk who requested the information.

Any disclosure will be made in person – for safety reasons the disclosure is not made in writing and no documentation will be given.

How to make an application:

• Phone 101 (the non-emergency police number)
• Visit a local police station
• If you believe there to be an immediate risk of harm phone 999

More information is available on the Norfolk Constabulary website