News Domestic Violence And Clare's Law

[PTSD sufferer]

The father of a woman, Clare Wood, has been campaigning to introduce new laws that allow the disclosure of criminal histories to partners and others concerned about domestic violence. The new law is about to be trialed in England, however, violence groups are saying the law won't help, because the police don't understand the law, and education of the public is more important. What do you think?

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17254163

'Clare's Law' gives 'right to ask' on domestic violence

People in some parts of England and Wales will soon be able to find out from police if their partners have a history of domestic violence.

The Home Office has announced year-long trials giving police the 'right to ask' for information in Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire, Wiltshire and Gwent.

The scheme is dubbed Clare's Law, after a woman murdered by a former partner. But domestic violence campaign groups Refuge has attacked the scheme, saying it will do little to protect victims.

Clare Wood, from Salford, Greater Manchester, was murdered in 2009 by a former boyfirend with a violent background.

The 36 year old mother had made several complaints to the police about George Appleton, whom she had met on the internet, before he killed her. He was later found hanged.
The independent Police Complaints Commission criticised Greater Manchester Police for failings in the case.

"The reality is that most of the perpetrators aren't known to police - and women may not even take up this scheme" Sandra Horley, Refuge.

Since her death, Miss Wood's father, Michael Brown, has campaigned for people to have greater rights to know about the violent past of partners.

Following a consultation, ministers have backed an arrangement similar to parents of' right to ask whether someone who has access to their children has a history of sex offending.

The home office has not yet disclosed how the scheme will work.

POlice already have common law prowers to provide information about someone's background if officers think there is a pressing need to do so to prevent a crime.

Home secretary, Theresa May said it was designed to 'prevent tragic incidents' and the Association of Chief Police Officers said it was 'fully supportive' of the move.

Miss Wood's father welcomed the pilot scheme and said that, had it been in place earlier, it would have given his daughter the chance to make an '[educated decision' about her relationship with Appleton.

More on the story in the above link.

 

[Srain]

I, for one, would have found this enormously helpful prior to my unfortunate married to a brutal person. His friends knew and yet nobody told me until well after several horrendous beatings. Before that is was "give him a chance, he's going through so much, he's SORRY....". The man tried to kill me, that's when I got all that background information and people pleading with me to get out and save myself.

Information and disclosure could save lives.

 

[Meadowsweet]

There was a public debate held about it. I posted something on it a while ago, and there were several different ways of administering the law.Some would make a bigger difference than others.

I think if its organised well, it will be very beneficial. It won't stop domestic violence, just as Sarah's law wont stop child abuse.

But I think it gives people another avenue to help them keep safe. I don't suppose everyone who goes into a new relationship will check out their prospective partner.

But abusive relationships take time to trap somebody. I think this law is more likely to be used after the first signs, maybe after the first argument that turned violent. Thats the time when the victim might want to ask if they can trust their partner when they say it was a one off. And to get out at that point in the relationship is much easier.

 

[windwoman]

I was so naive when I married my abuser. I had no frame of reference for what I was subjected to. I don't know that I would have thought to find out about his background.

Today, we talk about domestic abuse more, maybe young women aren't as unaware as I was. I'm all for anything that will allow women to protect themselves. After years of working with convicted felons, I have been known to check up on people who come into the lives of my children and grandchildren. (I have been acused of hyper vigilant.)

 

[want2cope]

Oh yeah. I love it. The US wouldn't pass it tho just because its helpful to women and it makes good sence. I would vote for it but I bet you unless I move to a different country I never will have that chance.