Claire’s Law: What It Is and Why It Matters
Claire’s Law is the commonly used name for the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) in England and Wales. It was introduced in 2014 following campaigning by the family of Clare Wood, who was murdered by a partner with a violent past that she did not know about. The scheme exists so that people can find out if a current or former partner has a history of abusive or violent behaviour, giving them vital information to help protect themselves and make informed decisions about relationships.
How It Works
There are two core elements:
Right to Ask — you can ask the police to check whether your current or ex-partner has a history of domestic abuse or violence that might put you at risk. This can be done by contacting the police online, by phone, or in person.
Right to Know — the police can disclose information proactively if they hold intelligence suggesting someone may be at risk, even without a formal application.
If the police decide to disclose information, they will share it directly with the person considered to be at risk. A safety discussion may follow, and you’ll be told what support is available to help you.
Hertfordshire Constabulary provides details on how to make an application under Claire’s Law on their website:
Who Can Use Claire’s Law?
Anyone aged 16 or over who is concerned about the risk posed by:
their current partner
their ex-partner
the current or ex-partner of a friend or family member
can ask the police for a disclosure. You don’t need to be the partner yourself — a third party can make a request on behalf of someone they are worried about but it is important to note that only the person at risk will be notified if the police are concerned.
Common Barriers to Receiving Information
While Claire’s Law is a powerful tool, there are several reasons why a disclosure might not be made:
No record exists — many abusive behaviours are never reported to police, so they won’t show up in a check.
Police assessment — even if there is information, the police must decide that sharing it is legally justified, necessary and proportionate. If the risk is judged too low or uncertain, they may decide not to disclose.
Confidentiality and safety — police will not share confidential details unless the disclosure will genuinely help safeguard someone.
In all cases, regardless of whether a disclosure is made, you can still be offered support and safety advice.
What Happens If There’s Cause for Concern
If police checks find evidence of abusive behaviour or there is intelligence suggesting risk:
Disclosure decision — a team or panel will consider the information and decide whether to disclose it appropriately.
Communication — the person at risk will be contacted in a safe way to discuss what the police can share.
Safety planning & support — police may signpost to specialist services or help plan protective steps.
Further action — if in discussing the case the police learn that a crime has occurred, they may investigate, which could include arresting the alleged perpetrator.
Support in Hertfordshire
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or need confidential support in Hertfordshire, you can contact:
Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline
call 0808 088 0888 or email kim@mailpurple.org— Free, confidential support for anyone affected by domestic abuse (Helpline open Mon – Fri 9am – 9pm; Sat – Sun 9am – 4pm).
Remember: If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.