Campaigners for Clare's Law, officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), state that awareness of the scheme remains low more than a decade after its national rollout in England and Wales in 2014.
Clare's Law allows individuals to request information from police to determine if a current or former partner has a history of abusive or violent behaviour. Det Supt Sue Faraday of Gloucestershire Police noted that many people in her area are unaware they can access this information.
The scheme was named after Clare Wood, who was murdered in 2009 by a man with a history of violence. Her father, Michael Brown, campaigned for the legislation, and his daughter, Maddy Wood, continues to raise awareness, particularly among younger generations and the LGBTQ+ community.
Anyone concerned about the risk of domestic abuse can make an application, including friends, family members, and professionals. Police assess available information, such as previous convictions, cautions, and arrests, to decide if a disclosure is necessary to protect someone from harm.
Freedom of Information data shows that Avon and Somerset Police received 8,363 applications since 2014, Wiltshire Police had 7,303, and Gloucestershire Constabulary received 6,424 requests, totalling over 22,000 across the three forces. While the number of requests has increased over time, suggesting growing awareness, Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed its longest disclosure response time in 2026 was 56 days, exceeding the normal 28-day guidance.