Clare’s Law is a ‘true legacy’ to the memory of murdered domestic violence victim Clare Wood, according to Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd.
Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, enables individuals to check if their partner has a police record of domestic abuse and was first introduced in Manchester on 6 September 2012.
It is named after Clare Wood, a 36-year-old Salford mother, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2009. Clare was unaware that he had previous convictions for assault and harassment.
Since the law was introduced there have been 801 applications, with 312 disclosures made to individuals worried about their partner’s history.
Mr Lloyd said: “That it has protected more than 300 women from abuse is a true legacy for Clare Wood and I hope this brings some comfort to her family.”
Women’s Aid in Manchester advises victims of domestic violence and said that the law has been a great help: “It is one of the first things we offer our clients when they come to us, as a form of support.”
Michelle Livesey, the Key103 reporter who campaigned alongside Clare’s father for the law to be introduced, spoke about the scheme at the GMB Justice Conference in Manchester on Friday.
Miss Livesey has been thanked in the past by women who believe the law has saved their lives.
She later said: “My hope for the future is that people will continue to use Clare’s Law.
“The more that it’s talked about and publicised, the more people will know it’s there, and the more lives it could potentially save, as the figures have shown.”
For more information about the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or visit your nearest police station.
For support and advice, contact endthefear.co.uk or call the 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
If you are in immediate danger, or there is an emergency, dial 999.
