About domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between anyone who has been ‘personally connected’. This includes current or ex partners, family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Clare's Law

Clare's Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, gives you the right to ask the police if your new or existing partner has a violent or abusive past. This is called the 'right to ask'.

If the police have records that show you may be at risk of domestic abuse from your partner, they will consider disclosing this information to you, if it is legal, proportionate, and necessary to do so.

Right to know

The 'right to know' scheme allows agencies to apply for a disclosure on your behalf if they believe you are at risk of domestic violence from your partner. The police can release information to the agency if it is lawful, necessary, and proportionate to do so.

How to make a Clare's Law request

How to Make a Clare’s Law Request

You can make a Clare's Law request online, over the phone, or in person at a police station. You will need to provide some information about yourself and your partner, such as your names, dates of birth, and addresses.

Remember, if you are in immediate danger, always call the police.

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