Disclosure scheme to save domestic abuse victims

Tuesday 01 April 2014

Islanders will be able to ask the police if their partner has a history of domestic abuse under a new scheme that begins today.

The Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme – known as “Clare’s Law” after a woman murdered by her former partner in Manchester in 2009 – will allow people to go to the police and ask if their partner has a history of domestic violence or other violent acts. It will also allow others to approach the police about people who they think might be at risk, and for the police to approach people proactively.

The scheme mirrors arrangements in the UK that have been brought in after the death of Clare Wood, who was strangled by a former boyfriend who had convictions for harassing other women, and who had harassed, threatened and tried to rape Clare in the weeks before he killed her. Her case is tragically common – approximately two people are killed by their current or former partner every week in England and Wales.

A similar scheme is already in effect for people who want to know if their partner has a history of sexual offences against children.

A 14-month pilot scheme in the UK provided more than 100 people with information that police say might save their lives.

As of today, people can go to the States of Jersey Police to ask for information about a partner – that will start a process that goes from an assessment of immediate risk to a full interview, research and risk assessment, to a decision by the Deputy Chief of Police. The police say that the process will take a maximum of 35 days.

Detective Chief Inspector Alison Fossey said: “Domestic violence is still prevalent in our society but finally people are talking about it and the victims realising they are not alone.

“By introducing this disclosure scheme we are giving power to not only victims, but their loved ones to come to us if they have concerns and ask if those concerns are well founded.”