Domestic abuse disclosure scheme to be rolled out

The disclosure scheme that enables people to check whether their domestic partner has a record for violence is to be rolled out across Scotland.

Police Scotland’s Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland will cover the whole country later this year. Also known as Clare's Law, in memory of Clare Brown who was murdered by an ex-boyfriend who had a history of violence against women, the scheme was trialled for six months in Ayrshire and Aberdeen with a total of 59 applications received and 22 disclosures made.

Under the scheme, a person can make a direct application to Police Scotland for information about an individual. Any concerned third party, such as a parent, relative, neighbour or friend can also make an application on a person’s behalf. Police Scotland may also act on indirect information or intelligence about a person thought to be at risk and make a disclosure to that person where, after appropriate checks have been made, they judge that should be done to safeguard that person.

Each case is considered carefully 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, who announced the extension with Chief Constable Sir Stephen House, said: “I announced earlier this year new funding of £20m 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.

“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.”

Sir Stephen added: “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.”