The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) was launched by the Home Office on 8 March 2014. You may have heard the scheme referred to as 'Clare's Law'.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) enables you to find out if your partner has a history of violence or abuse. It aims to help you make an informed choice about whether to continue a new or current relationship.
It also aims to provide help and support to a potential victim when making that informed choice.
Find more information about the DVDS scheme and the process that police forces follow on GOV.UK.
There are 2 parts to the scheme:
This means a person can ask the police about a partner’s previous history of domestic violence or violent acts. A precedent for such a scheme exists with the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme.
This means the police can proactively disclose information in prescribed circumstances where an agency comes into possession of information about the previous violent behaviour of a person.
Go to the Sussex Police website to apply or phone 101.
If you are applying in relation to a high-risk victim, use the MARAC referral form.