New powers to protect families affected by domestic abuse
Police and partners working together to reduce Domestic Abuse in West Mercia will soon have new powers to help protect people from domestic abuse.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare’s Law, is being launched in West Mercia on Monday 10 March 2014.
The Disclosure Scheme or Clare’s Law gives people the ‘right to ask’ police whether a new or existing partner has a violent past. If records show that an individual may be at risk of domestic violence from a partner, the police will consider disclosing the information. A disclosure can be made if it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so.
For example a mother or father could make an application on behalf of their daughter or son if they are concerned a new partner may be violent. If it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so, information will be disclosed directly to the daughter or son concerned or to a third person for the purposes of protecting the son or daughter from domestic abuse.
The police can also use the ‘right to know’ to proactively disclose information to an individual in order to protect a potential victim of domestic abuse. This enables an agency to apply for a disclosure if the agency believes that an individual is at risk of domestic violence from their partner. Again, the police can release information if it is lawful, necessary and proportionate to do so.
Det Supt Steve Cullen said: "Tackling Domestic Abuse is a clear priority for Police and Partners.
"'Clare's Law' will allow victims to apply to us to understand what their partners past history may be, and where it is appropriate to do so we will disclose information in order that victims may make an informed decision around their own safety.
"Any disclosure will be part of a range of support measures Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police will put in place to support victims.
We welcome the strengthening of the legislation to help us protect the most vulnerable from harm."
Anyone concerned about whether a new or existing partner has a violent past can visit the front desk of their nearest police station, ring 101 in the first instance or speak to a police officer. Information about the scheme will also be available online. The applicant would need to provide relevant information and checks would be done to confirm their identity.
