Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare's Law)

It's the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) that allows any member of the public to ask the police if their partner or former partner may pose a risk to them. Once an application is made, police and partner agencies will carry out a range of checks. They will consider disclosing this information if the checks reveal a record of abusive offences or suggest a risk of violence or abuse. If an application is made by a friend or family member they will not receive any disclosure themselves - the disclosure will be to the person deemed to be at risk.

How disclosure is made under the scheme

Right to Ask

A member of the public may make an application regarding a current or ex-partner. A disclosure can also be requested by a third party, a - 

  • family member
  • friend
  • colleague
  • neighbour

to protect someone they think could be at risk.

Right to Know

If the police or partner agency finds information that an individual could be at risk of domestic abuse they may disclose this information to protect the potential victim.

How to make a DVDS request

In emergencies call 999.

For crime no ongoing, call 101 or access Humberside Police's website.

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