The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) also known as Clare’s Law, allows any member of the public to ask the police if their partner or former partner may pose a risk to them. Once an application is made, police and partner agencies will carry out a range of checks. They will consider disclosing this information if the checks reveal a record of abusive offences or suggest a risk of violence or abuse.
The process is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton in 2009. Clare had met Appleton on Facebook and was not aware of his horrific history of violence against women, including repeated harassment, threats and the kidnapping at knifepoint of one of his ex-partners. Appleton strangled Clare and set her on fire before taking his own life in Salford, Greater Manchester.
How can a disclosure be made under the scheme?
- Right to Ask: A member of the public may make an application regarding a current or ex-partner. A disclosure can also be requested by a third party – a family member, friend, colleague or neighbour to protect someone they think could be at risk.
- Right to Know: If the police or partner agency finds information that an individual could be at risk of domestic abuse they may disclose this information to protect a potential victim.
Method of Disclosure
You can make a DVDS request in two ways, online or at a police station.
What happens after you make a request?
The police will aim to do an initial review of the application within 24 hours to access whether:
- The application will progress
- There is any immediate or imminent risk
Once progressed the application will be referred to a team/ unit to follow up and you will be contacted about a face to face meeting (if required) within 10 working days of your application being made.
Please talk to any member of the Safeguarding Team if you have any questions or concerns relating to any of the information above.
