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A demand for a change in the law was prompted after Clare Wood’s murder at the hands of her ex-partner in 2009 at her home in Salford.
It was later discovered that her ex-partner, George Appleton, had a history of violence against women which Clare was not aware of. He was later found hanged in a local derelict building.
Her death prompted a nationwide campaign, spearheaded by her family, to introduce a law to allow members of the public to request information about their partner’s background specifically relating to domestic abuse.
After a successful campaign, in March 2014, Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), was implemented across all police forces in England and Wales.
The scheme has also been adapted in other counties such as New Zealand, after its accomplishments in the UK.
Northumbria Police’s Domestic Abuse Lead, Detective Superintendent Nicola Seymour, hopes the success of the scheme continues for many years to come.
She said: “The Clare’s Law disclosure scheme has gone from strength to strength after it was introduced more than a decade ago – but our mission to raise awareness is never over.
“Year on year, we’re seeing more and more applications come into our Force. In 2024, Northumbria Police received around 3,956 Clare’s Law applications – an almost 700% increase from the 500 received in 2018, and we’re on track to receive around the same in 2025.
“In our Safeguarding Department, we’ve got dedicated specialists who review applications, assess whether they are suitable for a disclosure and then go on to make the disclosures personally.
“It’s important to remember that anyone who is the subject of an application won’t be informed that there’s been an application made about them. We know how much this may impact the decision of those in two minds about getting in touch with us.”
Det Supt Seymour continued: “We’ve also recently piloted an initiative in South Tyneside with the domestic abuse support service Restart which sees Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVA) sit-in on disclosures.
“This has resulted in a greater uptake in IDVA services – allowing instant safeguarding and easier access to support services. We’re looking to roll this out across the whole of the Northumbria area later this year.
“We understand that anyone who has experienced domestic abuse may not want to involve police straight away, or at all, so we’re always keen to signpost people to the amazing charities and organisations we work with on a daily basis.
“To find out more about Clare’s Law, visit our website and submit an application – the service is free, confidential, and could end up changing your life.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Many people enter relationships without knowing their partner’s full history, which can sometimes lead to dangerous situations.
“This law is designed to help people make informed decisions and can play a crucial role in the prevention of domestic abuse by empowering victims and allowing for early intervention. The more people that know this law is available to them the better.
“There’s been a really welcome rise in the number of applications over the years and we want to keep getting the message out that this scheme is available and can help put your mind at ease or link you up with support, as necessary.”
To submit a Clare’s Law application, visit the website: Request information under Clare’s Law: https://www.northumbria.police.uk/rqo/request/ri/request-information/cl/ob/bridging/
For localised signposting:
Further support and advice is available through the National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247.
For localised support on domestic abuse, visit:
• Northumberland (Rural) – Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services
01434 60 80 30 – Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
• North Tyneside & Northumberland – Harbour
03000 20 25 25 (24 hours)
• Newcastle – Newcastle Integrated Domestic Abuse Service
https://www.newcastlesupportdirectory.org.uk/nidas-newcastle-integrated-domestic-abuse-service
24-hour helpline: 0191 226 3688 – IDVA/ISVA Service: 0191 481 4132
• Gateshead – Gateshead Domestic Abuse Service
https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/8723/Domestic-abuse
24-hour helpline on 0191 433 3333
• South Tyneside – Restart
https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/10059/Restart-Integrated-Domestic-Abuse-Service
9am – 6pm Monday – Friday 08002545087 / Referral line 07977595910
• Sunderland – Wearside Women in Need
0800 066 5555 Open: Everyday 9am – 9pm
• For support if you are worried about someone else’s relationship:
Findaway is an anonymous phoneline for those who are concerned about someone else’s relationship. They can give us a call for some advice and options on how best to support. This could be a family member, friend, neighbour, colleague etc. Their phoneline is open Mon-Fri (9-5) – 0300 140 0061
This service is Northumbria wide and for anyone over the aged 16 or over. If you would like to know more information, please visit their website: https://www.wefindaway.org.uk/
Anyone worried they are on the wrong path and wanting support around their behaviour can contact the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040 or visit their website at https://www.respect.org.uk/
