Warnings issued over partners’ abusive past
Cops alert 19 people under ‘Clare’s Law’legislation
Almost 20 people in Renfrewshire have been warned by Police Scotland that their partner has an abusive past.
Police Scotland revealed that it has issued disclosure to 19 people under “Clare’s Law” legislation in the last two years.
Under the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse 55, worried partners requested information on their other half across Renfrewshire.
The scheme is designed to allow people to request information from Police Scotland if they have concerns about their partner’s past.
The Paisley Daily Express obtained the latest figures under Freedom of Information legislation.
Postcodes PA2 and PA3, each had five disclosures in the last two years, with two warnings given in the PA1, PA4, PA5 and PA11 postcode areas.
Most requests for disclosure were made in the PA3 postcode, with 15.
Last month, we reported that police had received more than 21,000 reports of domestic abuse in the last 10 years – around six everyday.
Clare’s Law is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in Greater Manchester in 2009. She had been unaware of George Appleton’s history of violence against women.
Clare’s Law was rolled out in Scotland in October in 2015, after trials in Ayrshire and Aberdeen.
The police force says it has received more than 2,000 requests for disclosures in Scotland since the scheme began and has issued more than 900 disclosures.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, encouraged anyone with concerns about their partner’s past to ask make use of Clare’s Law.
He said: “Domestic abuse in whatever form is a disturbing reality for too many in society. No one should have to live under the constant threat of violence or intimidatory behaviour.
“Clare’s Law is a vital tool in reducing this ‘normally invisible’ crime. Using Claire’s Law a request to local police will provide access to information for individuals who may be at risk of domestic abuse.
“Anyone who has concerns over the behaviour of their partner should seek support and guidance from local organisations like Women’s Aid and Refuge. The more knowledge that we have on previous behaviour can prevent abusers repeating behaviour.”