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Written question asked by Graham P Jones (Labour) on Monday, 2 September 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 September 2019 (named day). It was answered by Victoria Atkins (Conservative) on Monday, 9 September 2019 on behalf of the Home Office.

Domestic Abuse: Disclosure of Information

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to review how Clare's Law is implemented by police forces in England and Wales.

Answer

Domestic abuse is a devastating crime and the Government is committed to doing everything we can to tackle it.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS, also known as “Clare’s Law”) was rolled out across all 43 police forces in England and Wales in March 2014, and recent data shows that applications and disclosures made under the scheme are increasing.

In the year ending March 2018, there were a total of 5,649 disclosures made under the scheme, representing a 66% increase on the previous year. In the year ending March 2018, applications under the “Right to Know” element of the scheme increased by 47%, and “Right to Ask” applications increased by 111%.

We will continue to work with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing to ensure that the DVDS and the guidance underpinning it are being used consistently and effectively to prevent harm and to keep potential victims of domestic abuse and their families safe.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
284545
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Disclosure of information Domestic abuse
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk