Checks on violent partners available all as Clare's Law goes national

Clare Wood was murdered by George Appleton in 2009 Photo: PA

Women across the country can find out if their new partner has a violent past from today as “Clare’s Law” is rolled out nationally.

The scheme allows women or men to check with the police whether their partner has a history of violence or is a threat to them or any children.

It follows a pilot scheme that so almost one in three requests result in information being disclosed by officers.
The father of the woman who the law is named in memory of welcomed the move and said his daughter would be applauding it.

New court powers that offer protection to suspect domestic abuse victims in the immediate aftermath of an attack, including banning the alleged assailant from having contact, have also been rolled out nationally.

Clare’s Law is named after Clare Wood, 36, who was strangled and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton at her home in Salford, Greater Manchester in 2009.

She met Appleton on Facebook, unaware of his horrific history of violence against women. He later killed himself while on the run.

Under the scheme, an individual can ask the police for information on a person’s past so long as they can show they are in a genuine relationship.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/10683107/Checks-on-violent-partners-available-all-as-Clares-Law-goes-national.html

Good to see this applies to both men and women

Brilliant. It makes you wonder why this wasn't in place sooner?

At least she didn't die in vain and something good and worthwhile has come out of her passing.
Little solace to her family though.

The only thing that worries me is that after a certain amount of time convictions are 'taken off'. Well they must be, because I know someone who was done and convicted for GBH against his girlfriend 13 years ago, and yet now has a clear record. Just because he has been a 'good boy' for 13 years doesn't mean he won't do it again.

It would have been better if, after the first incident they had shot the b'stard. A man that raises his hand to a woman,for any reason, except in the greatest need of self defence, is a coward, forever without honour amd of no use to society.....

Can't disagree with this policy. Excellent news.

Irn Bru wrote:Can't disagree with this policy. Excellent news.

I'm with you there IB, I hate cowards like that, brilliant news.