A CAMPAIGN is being launched on Wednesday 13 November by the States police to raise awareness about a “lifesaver” law which allows people to find out if their partner has been abusive in the past.
Clare’s Law – officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – is named after Clare Wood, a 36-year-old woman from Yorkshire who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2009.
The number of Islanders making requests every year under this law remains in the single digits, with another 20 to 40 being contacted by the police about a relationship they are in.
The new campaign – featuring posters and images on police vans – aims to “prevent domestic abuse and reduce the misery that some people have to go through”, according to Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey. There will also be an accompanying video released today.
Domestic abuse makes up one quarter of all violent incidents against women and girls, while 15% of all crime in Jersey falls into that category.
A campaign promoting Clare’s Law was part of the Violence Against Women and Girls taskforce’s recommendations that were published last year.
The campaign comes shortly after a high-profile court case in which one of the victims found out via Clare’s Law that her partner had an abusive past.
Suzannah Mahe (29) survived abuse inflicted by Gavin Roberts, who raped and strangled her until she feared for her life.
She said the law could be a “lifesaver”.
She added: “It’s a safety net for yourself, because you would much rather be upset for a week because you’ve met someone and thought they were the right person, but you hear this information, than be three months down the line and this person is showing concerning behaviours.
“I promote it to anybody.”
Det Supt Fossey – who was part of the VAWG taskforce – explained: “This law targets serial perpetrators because, as we know, they often move from one victim to another.
“Like the UK, we introduced this in 2014.
“However, the public in Jersey really have not taken up on their right to ask, and I think that’s probably because it’s not been well-publicised before now, hence why we’re having this campaign now, nearly ten years later.
“Ultimately, it’s about victim’s knowledge and empowering them to protect both themselves and their family.”
People should think about using Clare’s Law if they see red flags or issues such as coercive control in a relationship, Det Supt Fossey added.
Islanders can fill in an online form and will be contacted by the police’s public protection team.
It is also possible to make a Clare’s Law request on behalf of someone else.
The process
The form asks for specific details such as addresses, but the police say they can also use their own records if needed.
This is followed by a research period, when officers decide whether there is information they can legally share.
If they do have information to share, this happens through an in-person meeting and they will be put in touch with support agencies.
This information is highly confidential, Det Supt Fossey added, and people cannot share this information more widely.
Aims of the campaign
There have been “a few” people who have used Clare’s Law successfully, Det Supt Fossey said, despite the difficulties of a break-up or moving out of a shared home.
To protect victims, Jersey Domestic Abuse Support makes a safety plan with Islanders, including looking at options such as making their homes secure.
The goal for the campaign is “a big increase in the number of members of the public asking”, according to Det Supt Fossey. “At the moment, it’s minimal – really minimal.
“As we all know, domestic abuse isn’t always reported to the police. It’s very underreported. So we don’t know all the relationships out there; we don’t know if a serial abuser has moved on to someone else. Generally the first we know is when we get the call to say there’s been an incident with them.
“We want to try to get ahead of that stuff.”
She added: “It doesn’t matter the type of relationship you’re in, whether you’re in a heterosexual or same-sex relationship, your race – none of that is a factor. This is for everyone.”
Clare’s Law
Information on Clare’s Law, including the form, is available at: jersey.police.je
Support services
In an emergency, call 999 for immediate help
Jersey Domestic Abuse Support: 880505
Freeda (Free From Domestic Abuse): 08007356 836 or 873288
Victims First Jersey: 0800 7351612
JAAR (Jersey Action Against Rape): 482800
The Children and Families Hub: 519000
Probation Service (Building Healthy Relationships): 441900
