A pilot scheme allowing people to find out whether their partner has a history of domestic violence, known as Clare’s Law, was launched this week. Caroline Lindsay finds out more.
How do you know if the person you live with is violent? The simple answer is: you don’t until it’s too late. However, the launch of a new scheme the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland being piloted in Ayrshire and Aberdeen for a six-month trial period could change that.
It comes after a similar programme was introduced in England and Wales following the murder of Clare Wood by her ex-boyfriend in Salford in 2009. She was unaware of his history of violence against women.
If successful in Ayrshire and Aberdeen, it could be rolled out across Scotland.
Superintendent Neil Kerr said: “Tackling domestic abuse is a key priority for the police and this scheme will allow us to share information about an abuser’s past with a potential victim.
“Many people recognise the signs of abuse in their partner before it actually starts, such as jealousy or controlling behaviour.
“Applying through this scheme will ultimately assist those who are worried about their partner’s behaviour to make a more informed decision about whether to remain in the relationship.”
The scheme has been developed with the Scottish Government, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Women’s Aid and Assist Advocacy Services.
Disclosures through the scheme can be triggered by victims themselves, family members or another member of the public concerned about the victim, or public authorities such as the police or social workers.
The then Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson met with Clare Wood’s father Michael Brown ahead of the launch. Mr Brown said: “We’ve already seen a successful pilot of Clare’s Law in England and Wales and the figures from Manchester in particular have been very positive, if somewhat bittersweet for me personally.
“This law is a victory for common sense and I am pleased to see a similar scheme now being piloted in Scotland. Should these endeavours save but one life here, our efforts will have been worthwhile.”
Mr Mawson added that irrespective of the pilot schemes, Police Scotland will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of domestic abuse.
“I would like to reassure communities the length and breadth of the country that while the pilot is running and subsequently being evaluated, it will be business as usual for Police Scotland in helping people through the ordeal of domestic abuse.
“There is no excuse for domestic abuse and if you feel you are in danger or know someone who may be in danger then please contact us. We have specialist local teams who will investigate your complaint and support you.”
Mr MacAskill added: “No-one should ever have to suffer the pain of losing a son or daughter to violence. The strength and courage Michael Brown has shown following his daughter’s death is truly remarkable and his hard work in leading the campaign for the development of a pilot scheme will help protect lives.
“Domestic abuse is an appalling crime and I believe that people in relationships should have the opportunity to seek the facts about their partner’s background if, for example, they have concerns that they might have a history of domestic abuse.
“This pilot gives reassurance to the public and is backed by organisations such as Scottish Women’s Aid, who are hugely supportive.”
Mr MacAskill said the pilot was needed to test the practical implementation of the scheme before rolling it out across the whole country next year.
New Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Domestic abuse is a scourge on our society and it is fitting that the pilot launched on the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
“Clearly, combating domestic abuse requires a range of actions and activity and this scheme is another tool justice agencies can use in their work to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.
“It is important that the practical implementation of the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland, or Clare’s Law, is tested to ensure that it is suitable for Scotland’s unique justice system.
“That’s why I am keen to see how it works in the two pilot areas and will continue to work with Police Scotland to look at new ways of protecting the public which will deliver benefits for the wider community.
“The Scottish Government is investing £34.5 million in funding between 2012 and 2015 to be targeted at a range of initiatives working to tackle violence against women, including domestic abuse in Scotland.”
For more information on reporting domestic violence go to www.scotland.police.uk.