Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law)
Clare’s Law allows the police to release information about a person’s previous history of violence or abuse.
It is named after Clare Wood. She was murdered in 2009 by her ex-boyfriend, who had a history of violence against women.
Under Clare’s Law, you can:
- Ask for information about a current or ex-partner because you’re worried they may have a history of abuse and pose a risk to you;
- Ask for information about a current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you’re worried they might be at risk
The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) or Sarah’s Law
The scheme lets you lets you ask the police whether someone, who has contact with a child or children:
- Has a record for child sexual offences
- Poses a risk to a child for some other reason
The guidance is often referred to as ‘Sarah’s Law’ after eight-year-old Sarah Payne who was abducted and murdered in 2000
Who can apply?
Anyone, who is worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, can apply.
Regardless of who makes the application, the police may share information with whoever can use it to keep the child – or children – safe.
This might not be the person who made the application, it might be someone else (like the child’s parents)
You can only apply for information on a specific person. You cannot make a general enquiry about sex offenders in your area.
What happens next
After the police receive your application, they will:
- Make some checks within 24 hours. If police think a child is in immediate danger, they will take action straight away;
- Decide if the request falls within the scope of Sarah’s Law;
- Get in touch to explain the decision;
- Carry out a more in-depth interview within 10 days, if they want to progress the application;
- Make detailed checks and carry out a full assessment of all available information;
- Decide whether they want to share any information with the applicant or anyone else.
Please remember, If there is an immediate threat to someone’s safety, call 999.