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<p>Domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime and the Government continues to take action
tackle it. The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare’s Law,
is an important tool designed to keep people safe. The scheme has two routes:</p><ul><li>“Right
to Ask”: this enables someone to ask the police about a partner’s previous history
of domestic violence or violent acts.</li><li>“Right to Know”: the police can proactively
disclose information in prescribed circumstances.</li></ul><p>As part of the landmark
Domestic Abuse Act 2021 we are putting the guidance on which the DVDS is based into
statute. This will impose a duty on the police to have regard to the guidance and
will strengthen the visibility and consistent operation of the scheme.</p><p>Data
from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services on
the number of applications and disclosures made under the DVDS is published annually.
The latest published figures can be found here: <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/domesticabuseandthecriminaljusticesystemappendixtables"
target="_blank">Domestic abuse and the criminal justice system - Office for National
Statistics (ons.gov.uk)</a>.</p><p>For the year ending March 2021, there were 6,405
“Right to Know” disclosures and 7,037 “Right to Ask” disclosures, in England and Wales[1]<sup>,[2],[3]</sup>.</p><p>[1]
Applications will not result in disclosure if there is no information to disclose.</p><p>[2]
At the time of collection or re-submission, the following police forces provided only
partial Right to Know disclosures data for the year ending March 2021; Dorset. Data
received after the cut-off date has not been included.</p><p>[3] At the time of collection
or re-submission, the following police forces provided only partial Right to Ask disclosures
data for the year ending March 2021; Dorset and Greater Manchester. Data received
after the cut-off date has not been included.</p>
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