the Wedding Planner

UK Wedding News

01/07/2015

'Clare's Law' To Be Extended

A pilot scheme, which allows people to be informed if their partner has an abusive background, is to be extended throughout Scotland, it has been confirmed.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that Police Scotland's Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland will be rolled out nationwide later this year.

Also known as Clare's Law, the scheme allows people to contact the police and request information on their partner's background if they suspect them of a history of domestic abuse.

It was trialled for six months in Ayrshire and Aberdeen with a total of 59 applications received and 22 disclosures made. Each case is considered by Police Scotland and other agencies to determine whether disclosure is lawful, necessary and proportionate to protect the individual from their partner.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "There is no excuse or place for domestic abuse in Scotland and we need to do all we can to ensure we protect people from what is an abhorrent crime.

"I announced earlier this year new funding of £20 million over the next three years to step up our work to tackle violence against women. We are working in partnership to combat domestic abuse and we see Police Scotland's Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse as a vital step forwards.

- - - - - - Advertisement - - - - - -
The Party Photobooth Limited

"The victims of this unacceptable behaviour are predominantly female but males are also targeted; we must make sure that everyone is offered protection and information which reduces the risk of harm. I firmly believe that people who have concerns that their partner may have a history of domestic abuse should be able to find out.

"We recognise that disclosure itself won't solve or get rid of domestic abuse. It isn't the answer for all women or men in all circumstances but rather one of a number of interventions and measures."

Police Scotland Chief Constable, Sir Stephen House, said: "Domestic abuse impacts on all our communities even though it often takes place behind closed doors. We will not tolerate domestic abuse. We will tackle it and we will remove those who present the risk because we want to prevent it destroying the lives of its victims and those children who too often witness this abuse.

"By expanding this scheme, there is the potential to protect hundreds of people and to stop them become the victims of abusers, either directly or indirectly. And it is a clear signal to those who would abuse others that they cannot hide and their abusive history will be disclosed if it means protecting others.

"This has to be one part of a long term approach to supporting victims which ensures that their experiences and the long term effect of disclosure on the people who ask is measured. Working with our partners, we will continue to support people through the disclosure process and to prevent people becoming victims of this terrible crime."

Clare's Law was named after Clare Wood. She was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, George Appleton in Salford, Greater Manchester, in 2009. She did not know about his history of violence against women.

(JP)

Top stories


20/03/2020
LeToya Luckett-Walker Is Pregnant

Charlotte Crosby Finds New Romance

Lydia Bright Gets Candid About Giving Birth

Lana Del Ray Splits From Boyfriend

Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life

Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle

Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans

Lin-Manuel Miranda Homeschooling Kids

Kristen Bell Speaks Of Pride For Daughters

Prince George & Princess Charlotte Now Homeschooled
more infomore info
0.015625 18.191.87.157 Ban:1, But:2 23/11/2024

"A pilot scheme, which allows people to be informed if their partner has an abusive background, is to be extended throughout Scotland, it has been confirmed."