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Sarah found herself in a relationship where red flags were initially dismissed as compliments. Her boyfriend’s controlling behavior escalated to accusations of cheating and blaming her for exacerbating his mental health issues. Concerned for her safety and that of her unborn child, Sarah sought information about her partner’s past under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare’s Law.
Despite the guidelines stating that police should respond within 28 days to “right to ask” applications under Clare’s Law, Sarah faced delays. It took five months for her to discover that her boyfriend had a history of strangling previous partners. By then, she had already experienced his abusive behavior firsthand. This delay in disclosure is not unique, as some police forces in England and Wales have struggled to meet the 28-day deadline, with some cases taking more than two years to receive a response.
When Sarah finally received the information about her partner’s violent past, it was a devastating realization. Her partner posed a high risk, having attacked previous partners in similar ways. The delay in receiving this crucial information left Sarah feeling trapped in the abusive relationship. Dr. Charlotte Barlow, a criminologist, explains that leaving an abuser is incredibly difficult due to a variety of factors, including fear of escalation, lack of support, and financial dependence.
Despite the challenges, police forces are working to improve their responses under Clare’s Law. Some forces, like Avon and Somerset Police, have increased resources to meet the 28-day deadline for disclosures. The Home Office emphasizes the importance of helping victims know if they are safe from previous perpetrators, as part of its mission to reduce violence against women and girls. However, issues such as fragmented police systems and delays in disclosure highlight the need for continued improvements to protect those vulnerable to domestic abuse
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