Clare’s Law gives you the right to ask about your husband, boyfriend or partner’s background

Whether you’re in a heterosexual or same-sex relationship, if you’re worried that your current or former partner has a history of violence, Clare’s Law gives you the right to find out.

You can make an application to the police on your own behalf, or on the behalf of someone else like a friend, relative or neighbour that you think is at risk. Anyone can apply regardless of race, gender identity, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, religion or any other characteristic.

 Clare’s Law exists to help prevent all types of domestic abuse, not only physical Domestic abuse can take various forms. There are also many different signs or flags that a partner might have a history of abuse, or may become abusive in future.

These might include any of the following:

-causing you physical, sexual or psychological harm
-stopping you from seeing friends, family or colleagues
-controlling your phone, money or access to the internet
-making physical, verbal or implied threats against you
-causing damage to your property or belongings
-stalking or harassing you making unwanted or -malicious calls sending nasty or abusive messages

If any of these apply to you, or if a partner makes you feel unsafe for any other reason, you have the right to ask about them under Clare’s Law. 

 Making a Clare’s Law application depends on where you live Apply here if you live in England or Wales Apply here if you live in Scotland Apply here if you live in Northern Ireland Search ‘Clare’s Law’ + your country name if you live elsewhere. Versions of the scheme currently exist in New South Wales (Australia) and Saskatchewan (Canada)

What to do if you find out that your partner has a record of abuse Clare’s Law exists to inform you about your partner’s past. If there is enough to suggest that you may be at risk, then the police will make a collective decision on what information to disclose to you. You can then choose to take next steps yourself, or with their support.   

If you are in immediate danger call Police 999 – if too dangerous to speak operator will ask you to cough or make another audible sound to indicate you are in need of police assistance. If you are too frightened to make any sound at all the call will be put through to an automated system which asks the caller to press 55 if they are in danger. If 55 is not received the police will not be dispatched.