Scots test run of Clare’s Law to warn of domestic abuse threat
A LAW aimed at protecting women from violent partners is to be piloted in Aberdeen and Ayrshire.
Clare’s Law will allow police to disclose details of whether someone has a history of domestic abuse.
The scheme will run for six months from late November in the two test areas, and if successful will be rolled out across the country next year.
Clare’s Law is named after 36-year-old Clare Wood, who was murdered by her former boyfriend George Appleton.
Appleton, 40, killed himself after strangling the mother-of-one and setting her on fire in Salford, Greater Manchester, in 2009.
She had no idea of his violent past, which included kidnapping an ex-partner at knifepoint.
Clare’s father, Michael Brown, originally from Aberdeen, has since campaigned for the legislation to be introduced.
It then choked me to my core to learn that somewhere between 100 and 120 girls every year die in the same way as my daughter
The scheme was previously tested in England and Wales, and has been rolled out across police forces south of the Border.
Mr Brown said: “I thought it was an absolute disgrace that my daughter could not be told about her partner’s past.
“It then choked me to my core to learn that somewhere between 100 and 120 girls every year die in the same way as my daughter.
“For every one of these victims, there are at least two people – a mother and a father – who are suffering.
“And that is just for starters. The death is just the start, like a stone going into a pond. The suffering goes on and on.”
The retired prison officer, of Batley, West Yorkshire, added: “Anything that gives men and women another layer of protection from a potentially abusive partner has got to be welcome.”
Police will decide what information can be given out on a case by case basis.
In some cases, officers will release details of incidents regardless of whether the person has been convicted.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “It is only right that people in relationships should have the opportunity to seek the facts about their partner’s background if, for example, they suspect their partner has a history of violent behaviour.”
Officers said the two pilot areas were chosen because they have a “wide and varied cross-section of the population” who may benefit, as well as a good mixture of potential partner organisations.
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson added: “It will give people who are at risk of domestic abuse the information to assist them in making an informed decision on whether to continue in the relationship.
“I would like to reassure communities the length and breadth of the country that while the pilot is running, and subsequently being evaluated, that it will be business as usual for Police Scotland in helping people through the ordeal of domestic abuse.”
