The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) was launched by the Home Office on 8 March 2014. You may have heard the scheme referred to as 'Clare's Law'
The aim of the DVDS is to enable potential victims to make an informed choice about whether to continue with a relationship if a new or current partner has a history of violence or abuse. It also aims to provide help and support to assist a potential victim when making that informed choice.
The gov.uk website provides further information about the scheme and the process that police forces follow.
There is also a local briefing available, which is available if you follow this link.
There are two parts to the scheme:
'Right to ask’
This enables an individual to ask the police about a partner’s previous history of domestic violence or violent acts; A precedent for such a scheme exists with the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme.
- For more information, including on how someone make a 'Right to Ask' application, follow this link to Sussex Police or call 101.
'Right to know’
This enables the police to proactively disclose information in prescribed circumstances where an agency comes into the possession of information about the previous violent behaviour of a person.
- For more information, including on how someone make a 'Right to Know' application, follow this link to Sussex Police or call 101.
- You will need to make a MARAC referral if you are making an application in relation to a high risk victim. Follow this link for more information on the MARAC process.