Embarking on a new relationship is exciting. However, in many cases we don’t know much about a prospective partner and with incidents of domestic violence on the rise, it is understandable to be wary.
If you have concerns about a current partner or former partner, you are entitled to find out about their history through the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law).
In this blog, our specialist Domestic Violence Solicitors consider what you can do if you are worried your partner might have an abusive past.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents that someone uses to control or obtain power over an intimate partner, former partner, or family member.
Domestic abuse is not just physical and can take various forms. Non-physical abuse can be just as damaging as violence that causes physical harm.
Some common forms of domestic abuse include:
- Physical abuse. Physical violence can include punching, kicking and hitting.
- Sexual abuse. This includes unwanted sexual activity.
- Emotional abuse, for example, being insulted or made to feel scared or unconfident.
- Verbal abuse, such as being called names by your partner.
- Gaslighting, which is a form of behaviour that causes you to question your own perception of reality and understanding of situations.
- Coercive and controlling behaviour. This is a pattern of behaviour designed to make someone feel intimidated, alone or afraid. Examples include constant criticism, isolating someone from friends or family or monitoring their behaviour.
- Economic abuse, which involves control over money and finances.
All forms of domestic abuse are a crime.
What is Clare’s Law?
Also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), Clare’s Law is a police policy that gives individuals the right to know if a partner has an abusive past.
The scheme is named after Clare Wood, a 36-year-old woman from Yorkshire who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend George Appleton in 2009.
Clare met Appleton on Facebook and started a six-month relationship with him, not knowing that he had a criminal history when he befriended her.
After Appleton’s behaviour became coercive, Clare ended things and got a restraining order.
However, Appleton continued to subject her to harassment, damage to property, threats of violence and attempted assault.
The abuse ended in Clare’s murder, shortly followed by Appleton taking his own life.
Investigations later revealed that he had a history of violent and abusive behaviour, particularly towards women, which Greater Manchester Police were aware of but had not disclosed to Clare.
Following a campaign by Clare’s father, Michael Brown, Clare’s Law was finally introduced in England and Wales in 2014 under the official title of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS).
Can I find out if my partner has a criminal record?
Clare’s Law enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner’s or ex-partner’s previous abusive or violent offending.
The scheme has two elements:
- The right to ask. Under the scheme, an individual or relevant third party, such as a family member, can ask the police to check whether a current or ex-partner has a violent or abusive past. If records show that an individual may be at risk of domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner, the police will consider disclosing the information.
- The right to know. This enables the police to proactively disclose information if they are aware of a person’s violent or abusive behaviour that may impact the safety of that person’s current or ex-partner. This could come from a criminal investigation, through statutory or third-sector agency involvement, or from another source of police intelligence.
Disclosures made under Clare’s Law must be ‘lawful’, ‘proportionate’ and ‘necessary’.
What are the signs of domestic abuse?
It can be difficult to spot the signs of abuse, and easy to write off an incident that makes you feel uncomfortable as a one-off.
There are many different flags that a partner might have a history of abuse or may become abusive in future. The NHS has produced a useful checklist to help establish whether you might be in an abusive relationship or experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic Abuse Solicitor Near Me
At Onions & Davies, we understand the sensitive and complex nature of domestic violence and abuse cases.
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing domestic abuse, we are here to help. Our experienced solicitors are ready to support you and work towards a brighter future during this challenging time.
Onions & Davies is an established law firm providing specialist, professional legal advice to individuals and families in Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Worcestershire, Birmingham, and the Black Country and beyond.
From our main office in Market Drayton, our solicitors support clients across various locations, including the towns and surrounding villages of Telford, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Nantwich, Stoke on Trent, Newcastle Under Lyme, Whitchurch, and Newport.
We understand that your journey may involve various aspects beyond legal matters, and we are committed to helping you access the necessary support to create a brighter future.
We can connect you with professional counselling services and local charities specialising in supporting domestic abuse and violence survivors.
Some contacts for help and support are listed on our website.
However, if you are in imminent danger, we urge you to call the police. If you call the police but feel it is too dangerous to talk, by pressing ‘55’ after calling the emergency services, the police will still respond.
Silent Solution 55 is the name given to the initiative that allows people to call 999 even when they cannot speak.
It will mean that the call will still be put through to the police, and they will be notified that you are in a situation that makes talking or whispering difficult.
You can contact the team on sharon@onionsanddavies.co.uk or 01630 652405.
We are here to support you every step of the way.