Police reveal rise in ‘right to ask’ calls through law
POLICE HAVE reported an increase in requests made through Clare’s Law since launching a fresh awareness campaign.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – better known as Clare’s Law – was launched on International Women’s Day in 2012, named after Clare Wood who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton in 2009.
Its introduction came after Clare’s father, Michael Brown, from Batley, West Yorkshire, campaigned fiercely for more protection for women following the murder of his daughter.
The law gives people over the age of 16 in heterosexual or same-sex relationships the right to ask police whether a partner or ex-partner has a record of abusive behaviour.
If police checks show information to indicate the applicant may be at risk, a multi-agency decision will be taken on which information should be shared.
In January, West Yorkshire Police launched a campaign to raise awareness of Clare’s Law, in a bid to encourage more people to use it.
The force yesterday revealed that so-called right to ask requests in February nearly tripled in contrast to the previous year, with 30 in 2019 compared to 11 in 2018. There were 27 right to ask requests in January 2019, 12 of which were made after the campaign launch on January 24, compared to 15 the year before.
Detective Superintendent Jon Morgan, head of the force’s Safeguarding Central Governance Unit, said: “It is hugely encouraging that more people are taking advantage of their right to ask whether a partner or ex-partner has a history of domestic abuse. “Where a disclosure is made, it puts that person in a better informed position to make a decision as to whether to continue any relationship.
“It also enables us to discuss any concerns the person may have and signpost them to other support available.”
Through Clare’s law, a third party, such as a family member, neighbour or friend, can also make an application if they are concerned about someone they know.
Mark Burns-Williamson, inset, West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said supporting victims was a “key focus”.
He added: “I am glad to see that a month on from launching this campaign it has made a difference in raising awareness of such a useful tool and that more people are getting in touch.”