What Claire’s Law Actually Is

Claire’s Law gives someone the right to ask police whether their partner (or ex-partner) has a history of:

• Domestic abuse

• Violent offending

• Coercive or controlling behaviour

• Related safeguarding concerns

It exists to prevent harm before it escalates.

It is not about gossip. It is not about background checks out of curiosity. It is about risk prevention and safeguarding.

The Biggest Misconception

“If there’s no criminal record, you can’t apply.”

That’s not true!

Here’s the truth:

• You can apply even if you don’t know of any criminal record.

• You do not need proof.

• You do not need an active police case.

• You do not need to be in immediate danger.

Police decide whether disclosure is necessary based on:

• Intelligence

• Previous allegations (even without conviction)

• Patterns of behaviour

• Risk assessment

Sometimes there is no record.Sometimes there is information that hasn’t led to conviction.Sometimes there are multiple reports that never resulted in charges.

The decision is about risk, not just convictions.

Who Can Request a Claire’s Law Check?

There are two routes:

1️⃣ The “Right to Ask”

You can apply if:

• You are in a relationship and concerned

• You are dating someone new

• You are an ex-partner worried about escalation

• You suspect coercive control or manipulation

You don’t have to be married. You don’t have to be living together.

2️⃣ The “Right to Know”

Police can proactively contact someone if they believe:

• You are at risk

• Your partner has a known history

• Safeguarding is necessary

You don’t even have to request it in that case.

Can Someone Apply on Your Behalf?

Yes, in some circumstances.

A parent, friend, or concerned third party can apply, but:

• Disclosure (if granted) is usually given directly to the person at risk.

• It’s confidential.

• You cannot share it publicly.

It’s a safeguarding mechanism, not a weapon.

What Information Does It Show?

If disclosure is made, it may include:

• Previous convictions for domestic abuse

• Violent offences

• Sexual offences (where relevant)

• Patterns of coercive behaviour

It will not give:

• Full criminal history

• Irrelevant offences (e.g. minor driving offences)

• General background data

What It Does NOT Do

• It does not label someone automatically as “dangerous.”

• It does not replace personal judgment.

• It does not guarantee safety.

• It does not result in automatic arrest.

It’s about informed choice. Only information considered necessary to protect you.

How Do You Apply in England & Wales?

You can:

• Apply online via your local police force website

• Call 101

• Visit a police station in person

There is:

• An initial application

• A face-to-face meeting

• A risk assessment

• A review panel decision

It is not instant. It can take seeveral weeks.

Important Reality Check

Some people believe: “If nothing comes back, that means they’re safe.”

That’s also not accurate.

No disclosure does not equal:

• No abusive behaviour

• No manipulation

• No coercive control

It simply means:There is no information meeting the disclosure threshold.

Abuse often escalates before it ever reaches police attention.

Why This Matters

Claire’s Law exists because too many people said: “I had no idea.”

It’s not about paranoia. It’s about informed consent in relationships.

Claire’s Law, formally known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) — is a UK police scheme designed to help people assess risk in relationships by allowing them to ask the police if their current or former partner has a history of abusive or violent behaviour. The scheme was introduced across England and Wales in March 2014 and is now embedded into police guidance and safeguarding practice.

Why Is It Called “Claire’s Law”?

Claire’s Law is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2009. Her family campaigned to close a data loophole that meant her partner’s abusive history was not shared with her before she entered the relationship.

What Claire’s Law Is, and What It Isn’t

✔ What It Is

• A police-run disclosure scheme about domestic abuse risk history.

• A tool for informed decision-making in relationships.

• A formal way to ask about someone’s past violent or abusive behaviour.

• A proactive safeguarding mechanism, police can disclose without a request if they think someone is at risk.

❌ What It Isn’t

• A general background check like an employment DBS check.

• A guarantee of safety or an automatic warning.

• A full criminal record disclosure (only relevant information).

• A substitute for professional support or emergency services.

The Two Paths: ‘Right to Ask’ & ‘Right to Know’

1. Right to Ask

This is the most well-known route.

• You can ask the police to check whether someone you’re in a relationship with, or someone you know is in a relationship with, has a history of abusive or violent behaviour.

• You do not need a conviction to apply, the police look at records, intelligence, and risk indicators, not just criminal convictions.

• If the threshold is met, the police may disclose relevant information to protect the person at risk.

2. Right to Know

This is proactive.

• If the police become aware that someone’s partner may be at risk, even without a request, they can initiate a disclosure on their own.

• This is based on safeguarding duties, not public curiosity.

Who Can Apply?

• You can apply for yourself if you’re in a relationship you’re concerned about.

• You can apply on behalf of someone else (for example, a friend or family member).

• Police must still protect privacy and ensure disclosures are made to those best placed to safeguard the person at risk.

What Police May Share

If disclosure is made, information might include:

• Relevant convictions or cautions for violence or abuse.

• Evidence of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour.

• Patterns of prior abusive conduct the police believe are relevant to risk.

What’s not shared:

• Irrelevant criminal history

• Full police databases or unrelated offences

• Personal data not linked to risk assessment

UK Statistics; What Do the Numbers Show?

📌 Growing public use: In 2022–23 there were 45,344 applications to the scheme across England and Wales, a dramatic rise of around 300 % over five years.

📌 Increasing domestic homicide risk: In the same period, about eight women were killed every month by a current or former partner in England and Wales, underscoring the ongoing scale of risk.

📌 Application trends vary: Police forces report widely differing application and disclosure rates, in some areas increasing year on year, in others showing challenges in processing or awareness.

Final Word

Claire’s Law is not just about criminal records or legal technicalities. It’s about informed choice, safety, and early intervention. With rising usage and ongoing legislative evolution, it’s an essential tool for anyone concerned about domestic abuse risk in a relationship.

REQUEST Information Under Claires Law