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Clare's Law

Clare's Law helps you find out if your partner has a history of violence or abuse.

The official name is the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

It applies in England and Wales.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have similar schemes. Ask the police there.

You have two rights

You can ask the police for information about your partner or former partner.

The police can tell you on their own if they believe you are at risk.

You, about your partner.

A friend, family member or professional, if they are worried about someone.

Note: if you ask on behalf of someone else, the police will not tell you the information. The police decide whether to tell the person at risk.

Online, on your local police website.

If you live in London, the Metropolitan Police form is here:

Or call 101 and say you want to make a Clare's Law request.

Or go to a police station.

Or ask Lotus or another support service for help.

The name of the person.

Their address, if you know it.

Their date of birth, if you know it.

Your contact details and when it is safe for the police to call you.

The police check the information together with other services.

The police may contact you for more details.

Tell them how it is safe to contact you.

The police must finish within 28 days.

If it is urgent, sooner.

They usually tell you the information face to face, not in writing.

Your partner is not there and the police do not tell them.

What the police tell you is not a full criminal record. It is a summary of what you need to know to stay safe.

The information is confidential. You cannot pass it on or post it.

If the police tell you nothing, it does not mean you are safe. If you are afraid, ask for help.

Clare's Law is not for reporting abuse. To report, call 101 or 999 if it is urgent.

If you are in danger now, call 999.

If you cannot speak, call 999 from a mobile, listen and press 55.

National domestic abuse helpline, free, day and night: 0808 2000 247.

Lotus can help you with the request, in Romanian, free: 0800 098 2730.

Immediate danger? Call 999.