The number of islanders using a scheme to check whether a partner has a history of abuse increased last year following a police awareness campaign.
Figures show that in 2024 the States police received a record 47 requests under Clare’s Law, resulting in 44 disclosures – the highest since the scheme was introduced in Jersey in 2014.
By comparison, there were 39 requests in 2023, 28 in 2022, 33 in 2021 and 22 in 2020.
Clare’s Law – officially the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2009.
It allows people to ask the police whether a partner has a history of abusive behaviour.
The awareness campaign, launched in November 2024, featured posters, social media messaging and police van signage and led to a 20% increase in requests compared to the previous year.
Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey said the campaign had encouraged more people and support agencies to use the scheme.
She said: “There’s been a definite uplift in the number of applications for disclosures under Clare’s Law, and they’ve come from a variety of sources, in particular individuals themselves, but also through the support agencies.
“As part of the campaign, we did a big education piece with the likes of JDCAS, FREEDA, the Salvation Army and other support agencies, so that they could support clients to make the application, because it can be a bit daunting doing it yourself. So we’ve definitely seen an uplift in the number of applications coming through.”
ADVICE…
Under Clare’s Law, you have the right to:
- Make an application to the police requesting information about your current or ex-partner, because you are worried they may have been abusive in the past and believe they may pose a risk to you in future.
- Request information from the police about the current or ex-partner of a close friend, neighbour or family member, because you are concerned that they might be at risk of domestic abuse in future.