Clare's Law shows scale of domestic violence problem

The abusive pasts of more than 1,300 violent partners have been revealed since the introduction of Clare's Law.

The legislation, named after Clare Wood from Salford, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, allows the police to disclose information about a partner's previous history of domestic violence or violent acts.

Using Freedom of Information laws, the Press Association discovered at least 1,335 disclosures have been made across England and Wales under the law following 3,760 applications for disclosure.

But the figures show there are variations between police forces and now Salford and Eccles MP Hazel Blears, who campaigned with Miss Wood's father Michael Brown to introduce the scheme, said she would write to the Home Secretary to ask what is being done to ensure best practice.

Ms Blears said: "The fact there have been almost 4,000 applications shows just how serious a problem domestic violence is in this country and two women a week are killed by a current or former partner.

"More than a third of those who have made an application have received information which empowers them to make a potentially life-changing - or even life-saving - decision to end a relationship. So it is clear the scheme has been of great assistance to hundreds of people already.

"What these figures show, however, is that the likelihood of a disclosure being made varies enormously across the country, so while here in Greater Manchester it happens in more than 60% of cases, in Merseyside the figure is just 11%.

"This suggests Clare's Law is being applied in different ways by police forces. I will be writing to the Home Secretary to ask what is being done to review its use and ensure best practice is shared across the country and the right decisions are made."