The 'Clare’s Law' scheme will give people the right to ask police about their partner’s past. The father of Clare Wood, Michael Brown, has been campaigning to change the law after his daughter was killed by her boyfriend, George Appleton, who she met on Facebook.
The Home Secretary has confirmed that pilot schemes are to be rolled out in Salford, Gwent, Nottinghamshire and Wiltshire and has stated that: ‘This pilot scheme is designed to prevent tragic incidents from happening, such as that of Clare Wood, by ensuring that there is a clear framework in place with recognising consistent processes to disclosing information.’
The scheme has caused much debate among domestic violence organisations about the issues involved. Refuge, a domestic violence charity, is reported to have expressed concern about the scheme and the fact that it is expensive and untested. Jackie Price, family law solicitor at Stephensons Solicitors LLP previously blogged on the Clare’s Law pilot, raising questions about how it would work in practice - 'Internet dating - a quick route to true love or an abyss of stranger danger'. Full details of the scheme are yet to be released.
Stephensons is committed to immediate and effective legal protection for victims of domestic violence. We have a team of specialist family lawyers who assist victims of domestic violence and we have close links with other organisations who can also help. I am a member of the domestic violence committee of the Greater Manchester Family Justice Council and was involved in the drafting of a Greater Manchester Protocol for Service of Family and Civil Protective Orders upon the police.
Free initial guidance is available. We can also assess eligibility for legal aid and fixed fees are available for those who don't qualify for legal aid, call us on 01616 966 229.
By family law solicitor and Stephensons’ Partner, Victoria Gethin
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