Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

If you are worried that you, or someone you know, may be at risk of domestic abuse, you can ask the police to check if a current or ex-partner has a history of being abusive or violent. You can make the check for yourself or someone you know.

This is known as making a "Right to Ask" request under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also called Clare’s Law.

Clare's Law is national scheme in England and Wales. It lets the police share information about someone’s past abusive or violent behaviour, helping people make safer and more informed choices. It was introduced after Clare Wood was murdered by an ex-partner in 2009. Following her murder, her family campaigned for a law that allows people to access information about a partner’s history.

You can make an request if:

• you are 16 or over and concerned about your relationship
• you are worried about someone else – for example a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour
• you are a professional, such as a social worker, health professional or support worker, who has concerns about a person at risk - while also following local safeguarding procedures

The scheme is open to people of any sex or gender, in any intimate relationship.

By making a "Right to Ask" request, you can help reduce risk by acting early. It can help you make more informed choices using the information that is shared with you. You will also get safety advice and support while you make your decision.

How to make a request

You can make a request:

• with Thames Valley Police online
• by calling 101
• in person at a police station

You will be asked for:

• your details, including whether you are applying for yourself or someone else
• details of the person at risk (this may be you, or the person you are applying for)
• details of the person you want police to check
• the nature of the relationship between the person at risk and the person you want the police to check
• what is worrying you and why
• safe contact details for you and, if appropriate, for the person at risk

The police will only use safe, agreed ways of contacting you. This is to avoid increasing risk.

After you have made the request

The police will carry out initial checks and assess any risk. If they find an immediate risk, they will act to keep people safe.

The police will contact you to discuss your application, using the safe method provided.

If the police decide that sharing information is appropriate, they will select the safest and most suitable person to receive it. Typically, this will be the person at risk. They will be informed either in person or by the agreed safe method. If you applied on someone else's behalf, the police may not share the information with you directly.

Anyone who receives information will be asked to keep it confidential and use it only to protect those at risk.

The process should be completed within 28 days of your application.

If no information is shared, it does not mean the person does not pose a risk. It may be because concerns about the person have not previously been raised, reported or recorded with the police.

If you are not sure if you should make a request

If you're not sure whether to make a request or need help to do it, you can speak to Berkshire Women's Aid. Berkshire Women's Aid support all genders.