More than 50 women in Greater Manchester have been warned about their partner’s history of domestic violence thanks to a new law introduced in September last year.
‘Clare’s Law’ was named after Salford mum Clare Wood who was brutally murdered by her partner in Salford in 2009; he had three previous convictions under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
The law means anyone who has concerns about their partner’s abusive behaviour can apply for a Domestic Violence Disclosure, which will tell them if their partner have previous convictions for violence.
It has now been revealed that more than 50 disclosures have been made since the launch in September, either by individuals or agencies who feel the person is at risk.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester, Tony Lloyd, said: “Clare’s Law is one of a number of measures being used to tackle domestic violence – a heinous crime which we hear the tragic consequences of time and time again.
“It has already seen some good results but we need to continue raising awareness of the scheme and work together to rid society of this terrible crime which has untold, long-lasting effects on victims and, importantly, long-lasting effects on their children.
“Tragically it’s too late for Clare but if Clare’s Law stops even just one woman facing the same fate than that is a lasting legacy which hopefully brings some comfort to her family.”
Detective Superintendent Phil Owen, from the Public Protection Division of Greater Manchester Police has urged more people to come forward.
He said: “Sadly we know only too well the devastating consequences that domestic abuse has and we welcome any initiative that helps to protect victims of domestic abuse and prevent further crime.
“However, for an area as large and diverse as Greater Manchester we would have liked to have seen a greater take up either from those in a relationship or from friends, relatives or neighbours concerned about the possible risk posed to somebody they care about.
“The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme is a preventative measure and enables potential victims to take control of their life and make an informed decision about whether to stay with somebody or not.
“It may be that somebody is in a relationship but isn’t happy about some of the behaviour of their partner.
If warning bells are ringing, then these are the types of people we want to hear from.”
For further information about the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, or to make a request for information under it, contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or visit a police station.
How Clare’s Law has helped Greater Manchester women
Case Study 1
| A 24-year-old woman made an application about her 33-year-old partner who became controlling after she became pregnant and would not let her see her friends or family. She made an application to determine if he had been involved in domestic incidents with previous partners. It was discovered that although the man had not been convicted, he had harassed a former partner and threatened another one. This gave cause for concern and the ladywasprovided with support from partner agencies in considering her future and that of her child. |
Case Study 2
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The mother of a 21-year-old lady became concerned over her daughter’s boyfriend after she had unexplained injuries on her. It was discovered by police that the partner in question had an extensive criminal record history as well as domestic abuse incidents with members of his own family. The incidents were disclosed to the women but she had already ended her relationship with the man and had returned home to her family, where she had both short and long-term support from agencies. |
Case Study 3
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Police attended reports of domestic abuse from a concerned neighbour. They then made their own request for information and background checks saw that the man had an extensive history of assaulting former partners including a violent attack which saw him imprisoned. After being made aware of her partner’s violent history, she was supported in leaving the relationship. |
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