Hundreds of potential victims saved from domestic abuse in Greater Manchester thanks to Clare's Law

Clare's Law saves potential victims from domestic abuse

More than 200 people have potentially been saved from domestic abuse in Greater Manchester in the last 12 months as a result of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS).

Otherwise known as Clare’s Law, the initiative has been running since 6 September 2012 and was rolled out across the country on 8 March 2014. It gives people who suspect their partners of having a violent past, their friends, families and authorities the opportunity to apply for information about the person they are in a relationship with. These are known as ‘right to ask’ and ‘right to know’ applications.

Over the last 12 months (January 2017 – January 2018) there have been 554 applications made under ‘right to know’ and ‘right to ask’ in Greater Manchester. Of those applications there have been 227 disclosures made.

Detective Superintendent Denise Worth from Greater Manchester Police said: “This simple yet important application puts control in your hands and allows you to think about your decisions and make a choice suitable for you.

“We know more needs to be done to ensure that victims, their friends and family are aware of the steps to take in order to protect themselves from the potentially devastating consequences that come as a result of domestic abuse.

“By providing victims with the power to regain control of their lives we only hope that more can then go on to have a safe and happy future.”

Anyone can get in touch with police and request a Clare’s Law application. Trust your instincts and spot the signs such as controlling behaviour, the use of violence, public humiliation and objections to you meeting friends and family.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Bev Hughes, said:  “Clare’s Law is an empowering tool that is giving the public the confidence to ask questions about their own or a loved one’s relationship. That it has saved 227 people from a potential lifetime of abuse in the last 12 months alone is a lasting legacy for Clare Wood, and sends a strong message that Greater Manchester takes a zero tolerance approach to domestic abuse.

“Work is ongoing across Greater Manchester to raise awareness of this scheme and the help and support which is available to people when they need it. This positive work should encourage more people to speak out against abuse and bring hope to victims and survivors that we are sitting right with you.”