Force doubles number of Clare’s Law disclosures to keep hundreds of potential domestic violence victims safe

Nottinghamshire Police helped to keep more than 500 people safe last year by disclosing previous violent and abusive behaviour by their partners.

Clare’s Law, introduced in 2014, allows police to proactively warn people who may not be aware of their current or ex-partner’s abusive past. This is called ‘right to know’.

It also gives anyone a ‘right to ask’ about what the police may know about their current or ex-partner because they’re worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to them.

Requests can also be made for information about the current or ex-partner of a relative, friend or colleague because you're worried they might be at risk.

Nottinghamshire Police expects officers to actively consider making a right-to-know report in every case of domestic abuse - checking a suspect’s past record and disclosing this to victims deemed at risk of further harm.

The disclosure process should take no longer than 28 days, if police determine that a set criteria has been met for information to be disclosed.

Applications can be made regardless of your own gender identity or whether it relates to a heterosexual or same-sex relationship, as long as the individual applying is aged 16-years-old or older.

Nottinghamshire Police discloses information directly to the person believed to be at risk, either over the phone or in person.

In 2024, 580 people across the Nottinghamshire Force area were given information about their partners under Clare’s Law – up from 276 disclosures in 2023.

Detective Sergeant Katie Nolan, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Safeguarding and Reducing Reoffending Hub, said: “One victim of domestic abuse is one too many but I believe our work to protect people and support victims is making a real difference.

“We won’t stop this work. It’s really important that people feel safe and as a force we are continuing to do everything we can to prevent incidents from happening in the first place.

“My ask to the public is – if you’re a victim of domestic abuse or if you have concerns for another person, come forward and tell us. You’ll be listened to, we will carry out checks, and you will be supported.”

DS Nolan added: "Anybody who thinks someone is at risk can request a disclosure by ringing us on 101 or visiting a police station and asking for a disclosure.

“We will only ever disclose information to the person believed to be at risk.

“We are aware of some incidents where people have disclosed Clare’s Law information they have received and shared with others in open online forums.

"Clare’s Law is there to protect individuals and should not be abused in this way.

“The undertaking of a person who we disclose information to is made very clear.

"Information is read out to them and they are asked to sign a written undertaking. 

“This signifies their agreement to keep the disclosed information confidential and not share it further with anyone else, unless they have been given permission to do so by the police or the person who provided the information. 

“People we disclose to are not handed any written information so there’s a risk of inaccurate information being shared in open online forums. Failure to keep information confidential could also lead to legal consequences.

“As a force we are committed to doing all that we can to protect anyone at risk of domestic violence. We want people to know that we are here for them if they need us and we will support them."

Support is available:

If you think you are a victim of domestic abuse, please call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

If you are in immediate danger always dial 999 and speak with a call handler.

If you are not able to talk when you need urgent police help, the Silent Solution service is available.

After dialling, listen to the questions from the call handler and respond by coughing or tapping your device, if you can. If prompted, press 55 to let the call handler know it is a genuine emergency and you will be connected to the police.

Help and support are available from other agencies, including Juno Women’s Aid, which provides a 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline for women, teenage girls and children on 0808 800 0340.

Alternatively, Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid provides an extensive range of services for women, young people and children on 01909 491 330.

For a free helpline for men who experience domestic abuse, call Equation on 0800 995 6999.