31/08/2026
💛 CLARE’S LAW EXPLAINED, WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO USE IT 💛
This is something I genuinely think more people need to know about.
If you're seeing somebody new, already in a relationship, or you're worried about somebody you care about, Clare’s Law could potentially provide information that helps keep somebody safe.
So, what actually is it?
🔹 WHAT IS CLARE’S LAW?
Clare’s Law is the commonly used name for the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS).
It operates across police forces in England and Wales and allows the police, in appropriate circumstances, to disclose information about a current or former partner's previous violent or abusive behaviour where that information may help protect somebody from domestic abuse.
And importantly, domestic abuse isn't limited to somebody physically assaulting a partner. It can include controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional abuse and economic abuse too.
There are two parts to Clare's Law.
🔹 RIGHT TO ASK
This is the part most people mean when they talk about doing a Clare's Law check.
If you're worried that your current or former partner may have a history of abusive or violent behaviour, you can ask the police to check.
You don't need to already know that they have convictions.
You might simply have started noticing behaviour that concerns you, heard something about their previous relationships, or have another genuine reason to be worried.
A friend, relative or professional can also make an application because they're worried about somebody else's partner. However, that doesn't necessarily mean the person making the application will receive the information. The police decide who is best placed to receive any disclosure in order to protect the person at risk.
🔹 RIGHT TO KNOW
This works slightly differently.
The police can sometimes proactively disclose information without somebody first making a Clare's Law application.
For example, police may receive information through an investigation, another agency or other police intelligence which indicates that somebody could be at risk from their partner or former partner.
The police can then consider whether information should be disclosed to help protect them.
🔹 HOW DO I ACTUALLY APPLY?
You contact the police and tell them that you want to make an application under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, or Clare's Law.
Depending on your police force, this can be done online, by telephone, by email or in person at a police station. GOV.UK also confirms that an application can arise as part of an existing police investigation.
You can find the official information here:
"GOV.UK, check whether someone has an abusive past" (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/5)
The police will ask for information about you, the person you're concerned about and why you're making the request.
They'll carry out initial checks and assess whether there are any immediate safeguarding concerns.
If the application continues, there will normally be further contact with you so the police can establish that the request is genuine, obtain more information and consider risk and safeguarding. Official guidance says this follow-up should happen as soon as practicable and no later than 10 days after the initial contact.
🔹 DOES MAKING AN APPLICATION MEAN THEY WILL TELL ME EVERYTHING?
No, and this is really important.
Clare's Law is not a general background check and it doesn't give somebody unrestricted access to another person's police record.
The police assess the information they hold and decide whether there is information that should legally be disclosed because it is necessary and proportionate to protect somebody from domestic abuse.
So an application doesn't automatically result in a disclosure.
And equally, no disclosure does not guarantee that somebody is safe.
Someone may never have been reported, investigated or convicted before.
Always pay attention to behaviour happening in front of you.
🚩 Controlling who you see
🚩 Monitoring your phone
🚩 Extreme jealousy
🚩 Controlling money
🚩 Threats or intimidation
🚩 Isolating you from friends and family
🚩 Constantly checking where you are
🚩 Making you frightened of their reaction
Those things matter regardless of what a Clare's Law application finds.
🔹 AND PLEASE REMEMBER THIS
You don't need to wait until somebody physically hurts you before taking concerning behaviour seriously.
If something doesn't feel right, asking for information and advice isn't an accusation.
It's safeguarding yourself.
And if you're worried about somebody you love, you can make an application because you're concerned about them too.
If you're unsure where to start, what you're experiencing might constitute domestic abuse, or you need somebody to help you understand your options, you're welcome to message me privately.
Sometimes asking one question early can make an enormous difference later. 💛
Always in your corner.
Toni
In Your Corner
📩 [email protected]
📞 07719 335601
