October 2025 is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We should all understand how widespread domestic violence is, where victims can obtain help and the protection that the law provides. One of the most important pieces of legislation relating to domestic violence is known as Clare’s Law.

What is Clare’s Law?

“Clare’s Law” is a name given to the legislation that created the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS). Under this scheme, individuals have the power to ask the police to disclose information about their partner or ex-partner, or about the partner or ex-partner of a family member. If the police consider that there is a risk to a person’s safety, they will disclose the information they hold about the partner’s or ex-partner’s previous criminal convictions and whether they have a past of abusive behaviour.

Why is it called Clare’s Law and why was it introduced?

Clare’s Law originated from a campaign led by Michael Brown, the father of Clare Wood. Clare was murdered in 2009 by her ex-partner, George Appleton. The scheme was introduced after it was found that Appleton had a significant history of violent and threatening behaviour towards previous partners, including an instance of kidnapping. Although Clare had made complaints about Appleton’s behaviour, no information about his violent past could be shared with her due to a loophole in the Date Protection Act. This eventually led to her murder. After a successful campaign, Clare’s Law was formally implemented in England and Wales in 2014 to provide the protection that was not available to Clare Wood.

What rights has Clare’s Law established?

Clare’s Law has established a “right to ask” and a “right to know”.  Under the “right to ask”, an applicant can enquire of the police whether a partner or ex-partner has a history of violent or abusive behaviour.  Under the “right to know”, the police may disclose information to the applicant about a partner’s or ex-partner’s past behaviour or criminal convictions.

How widespread is domestic violence?

The reported statistics, which may be just the tip of the iceberg, give cause for concern.  A recent report found that 262 deaths relating to domestic violence were recorded in England and Wales in the 12 months to March 2024. These were broken down as follows:

  • 98 cases of suspected suicide following domestic violence
  • 80 intimate partner homicides
  • 39 adult family homicides
  • 28 unexpected deaths
  • 11 child deaths
  • 6 ‘other’ cases, where the victim and suspect lived together but were not related or intimate partners

What should you do if you believe you are at risk?

If you believe you are at risk of domestic violence, it is important to know that there is support available and you are not alone. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

You can seek help from the police or call one of the helplines below.  Do so as soon as possible if you are concerned or afraid. 

Domestic abuse affects men as well as women, and there are dedicated helplines for men who need help and support. 

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – Homepage – National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Women’s aid – I need help – information and support on domestic abuse

Victim support – Domestic abuse – Victim Support

Helplines for men:

Men’s Advice Line – Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men’s Advice Line UK

Mankind Initiative – ManKind Initiative – Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse