Nottinghamshire Police have had over a thousand requests made under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, following TV show storyline in Emmerdale so far in 2025.
Clare’s Law is a scheme that was introduced in 2014 and gives anyone a “right to ask” the police about their partner’s potential history of domestic abuse.
This scheme then allows for police to give warning to people unaware of their partner’s abusive past, calling it a “right to know”.
In 2025, more than 650 of requests have been granted, with a total of 188 “right to know” disclosures also made, giving people the knowledge that may get them out of abusive relationships.
Clare’s Law was introduced following 36-year-old Clare Wood being murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend George Appleton in 2009.
Clare had made a police statement and got a restraining order after the 6-month relationship turned coercive.
However, his behaviour continued unchecked and it ended with him killing Clare, it later being revealed he had a history of violent and abusive behaviour that Manchester Police has known about prior to her death.
Her father Michael Brown campaigned for five years to change the law to allow police to disclose and inform people of their partners’ criminal records.
“clare’s law really is one of the most impactful pieces of legislation i have come across.”
Detective Inspector Jackie Price
“Clare’s Law really is one of the most impactful pieces of legislation I have come across.” Said Detective Inspector Jackie Price of Nottinghamshire Police.
The TV soap Emmerdale had a recent storyline where character Belle takes action against her abusive husband, reaching out to police with mention of Clare’s Law.
This increased a demand in calls; Nottinghamshire Police are now embracing new technology with disclosures being made through video links as well as in person.
This information was posted by Nottinghamshire Police earlier this morning, three days after White Ribbon Day: the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The White Ribbon is a recognised symbol that highlights the impact of male violence against women and girls, this year’s them being ‘We Speak Up’.
‘We Speak Up’ recognises the need for speaking up on the root causes of violence and also telling the police, so action can be taken.
To make a request under Clare’s Law please visit Request information under Clare’s Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Nottinghamshire Police
Alternatively, help and support are available from agencies such as Contact us | JUNO Women’s Aid and Contact Us – Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid
