'Clare's Law' scheme to be rolled out across Scotland

A scheme that allows people to find out if their partner has a history of domestic abuse is to be rolled out across Scotland.

The decision follows a six-month trial in Ayrshire and Aberdeen which saw 22 disclosures made from a total of 59 applications.

A similar system, known as Clare's Law, had been introduced in England and Wales following the murder of Clare Wood by her boyfriend George Appleton in 2009. Appleton had a history of violence against women, which Ms Wood was unaware of.

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Her father, Michael Brown, who is originally from Aberdeen, has backed moves towards national rollout. 

“It is heartening to see the success of the pilots and to know that the people given these disclosures will now hopefully not be victims of domestic abuse,” he said.

“Saving lives and protecting people has to be our ultimate aim, this is what makes all of our efforts worthwhile.”

Police Scotland’s disclosure scheme for domestic abuse will be accessible throughout the country from later this year.

Information can be disclosed either if an individual makes a direction application or a concerned third party, such as a parent or friend, makes one on their behalf.

Police Scotland also has the ‘power to tell’ if information or intelligence is received about a person thought to be at risk and disclosure is deemed necessary to keep them safe.  

Police Scotland chief constable Sir Stephen House said: “By expanding this scheme, there is the potential to protect hundreds of people and to stop them become the victims of abusers, either directly or indirectly. 

“And it is a clear signal to those who would abuse others that they cannot hide and their abusive history will be disclosed if it means protecting others.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the expansion as a “vital step forwards”.

“We recognise that disclosure itself won’t solve or get rid of domestic abuse,” she said.

“It isn’t the answer for all women or men in all circumstances but rather one of a number of interventions and measures.

Figures published by Police Scotland last week showed the number of domestic abuse incidents reported in the last year increased 1.8 per cent to a total of 59,471.