Domestic abuse survivors bring crucial update to law

West Yorkshire Police will provide a new confidentiality statement to help people explain to loved ones that they have received a Clare's Law disclosure, following discussions with Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) Voices Project.

- by Jennifer Cartwright

Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, enables police to disclose an individual’s history of abusive behaviour to those who may be at risk of such behaviour.

The number of Clare’s Law applications to West Yorkshire Police has more than doubled over the past four years.

In 2024, there were over 1,313 applications, the equivalent of 25 every week.

Now, when an individual receives a Clare's Law disclosure to West Yorkshire Police, they will also receive a confidentiality statement allowing them to share with loved ones that they have used the domestic abuse disclosure scheme.