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Clare's Law and requesting domestic violence offender data

Date published: 08 April 2020 10:14

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is often called ‘Clare’s Law’ after the landmark case that led to it. Clare’s Law gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner or ex-partner may pose a risk to them, or someone else they are worried about.

The application process

To make an application you can attend at a police station, approach a police officer or member of police staff, or contact 101.

You will need to give your name, address and date of birth.  A member of staff will need to see you face-to-face to verify your identity and establish your cause of concern.

Police and partner agencies will then carry out a range of checks. If these reveal a record of violence or abuse, even if the person was never convicted, the police will consider sharing this information with the person who is at risk from that behaviour.

The purpose of disclosing the offender’s history is to help someone make a more informed decision on how to keep themselves safe, whether that is within the relationship or by leaving it, and provide help and support in how to do that.

If we decide to make a disclosure, this will usually be made to the person at risk. This is unless, in exceptional circumstances, someone else is better placed to use the information to protect them from abuse.

If you are not the person at risk, there may be occasions when the police will not let you know whether a disclosure has or has not been made, even if you are the one that made the initial request.

Any disclosure will be made in person, none of the disclosure is made in writing and you will not be given documentation. You will be expected to sign a legal document agreeing not to share what you have been told with anyone else.

How to make an application under Clare's Law

To make an application you can attend a police station in person where a police officer or member of police staff will take the details of your enquiry.

You can also call 101, or approach a police officer or member of police staff.

You will need to give your name, address and date of birth.

Access the South Yorkshire Police Domestic Abuse webpage