A local woman who was assaulted by her ex-partner is striving to raise awareness for Clare’s Law, otherwise known as the Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme.

The woman, who wants to remain anonymous, was beaten up by her boyfriend last year, and afterwards was shocked to discover that he had a string of previous offences. She believed that, had she known of his history, her ordeal could have been prevented.

It was after the attack, when the woman was receiving support from Women’s Aid, that she learned of Clare’s Law, a scheme which allows the police to disclose information when requested to do so, about a partner’s previous history of domestic abuse or violent acts.

The scheme is named after 36-year-old Clare Wood who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, George Appleton, in 2009. He strangled and set her on fire at her home in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Appleton had a record of violence against women. After Clare’s death, her father, Michael Brown campaigned for the introduction of Clare’s Law, as he believed that she would still be alive had she known the full extent of Appleton’s previous behaviour.

With Clare’s Law, if police checks show that an individual has a record of abusive behaviour, or there is other information to indicate that a person may be at risk from their partner, the police will consider sharing this information.

The scheme aims to help people to make a more informed decision on whether to continue a relationship and provides further help and support to assist them when making that choice.

A disclosure under this scheme is the sharing of specific information about an individual with either their partner or a third person for the purposes of protecting them from domestic abuse.

Anyone can make an application under the Scheme, including any concerned third party such as a parent, neighbour or friend. However, a third party person making an application may not necessarily receive information about the individual. It may be more appropriate for someone else to receive the information.

To make an application for information on an individual via Clare’s Law, contact the police by calling 101, visit a police station, or speak to a local officer that you see on the street. If you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to someone, you should call 999.