'Clare's Law' On Domestic Violence Proposed

The Government has launched a public consultation on 'Clare's Law', which would see advise on the past convictions of previous domestic abuse offenders passed to their new partners.

Calls for the introduction of a national disclosure scheme gained momentum following the tragic case of Clare Wood, who was murdered by her former partner in Greater Manchester in 2009. Her partner had three previous convictions under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

The public are to be asked their views on whether to introduce the scheme, which would see information about an individual’s history of domestic violence disclosed to a new partner, the Home Secretary Theresa May announced this week.

Theresa May said: "I have been clear that ending violence against women and girls is a personal priority for me and this government. Domestic violence is a particularly dreadful form of abuse and I want us to constantly look at new ways of protecting victims and preventing tragic incidents from happening."

The police already have common law powers to disclose information relating to previous convictions or charges to the public where there is a pressing need for disclosure of the information concerning an individual’s history in order to prevent further crime.

The consultation will see three options offered to the public. These include: continuing current arrangements under existing law; a 'right to ask' national disclosure scheme - enabling a person to ask the police about a person’s previous history of domestic violence or violent acts; a 'right to know' national disclosure scheme where the police would proactively disclose information in prescribed circumstances.

(DW/GK)