Clare's Law goes national in 2014

The government has announced plans to give police powers to disclose certain details of people’s criminal pasts to forces across England and Wales next year.

The Home Office led scheme gives people the ‘right to ask’ police if their partner has ever had convictions for domestic abuse and allow police to disclose details of a criminal in certain circumstances.

All requests must go through a panel of Police, Probation services and other agencies to ensure that the information is only passed on where appropriate.

The scheme also offers support to victims to help during the transitional period.

The scheme known as ‘Clare’s Law’ is named after Clare Wood who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, George Appleton, who she was unaware, had a history of violence.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “Domestic abuse shatters lives – Clare’s Law provides people with the information they need to escape an abusive situation before it ends in tragedy.

“The national scheme will ensure that more people can make informed decisions about their relationship and escape if necessary.

“This is one of a raft of measures this government has introduced to keep women and girls safe. The systems in place are working better but sadly there are still too many cases where vulnerable people are let down.
“Today is an important step towards ensuring we do better by women like Clare Wood in the future.”

The government also announced today the national extension of Domestic Violence Protection Orders from March 2014, which will provide further protection to vulnerable victims.

This will give police the power to prevent potential abusers from approaching a victim for up to 28 days as long as the case is heard in magistrate’s court within 48 hours.

The protection orders also require the approval of at least a superintendent before being brought in.

Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: “Allowing police to ban abusers from contacting victims provides immediate protection in the aftermath of a domestic violence incident and breathing space to a vulnerable person while they consider their next steps.

“The pilot has shown this is a powerful intervention which can save lives.”

The news comes at the beginning of national domestic abuse awareness week. A national awareness campaign into the realities of domestic abuse.