Domestic Abuse

Clare’s Law (sometimes referred to as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) gives a member of the public the right to ask the Police if their partner may pose a risk to them. 

It also means that a member of the public can make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member. 

It works like this:

1) To make an application, a member of the public needs to either telephone the Police on 101, or visit their local station. They would then notify the officer that they wish to make an application under ‘Clare’s Law’. They will need to provide their name, address and date of birth.

2) Once an application is made, the Police and partner agencies will carry out a range of checks.

3) If the checks reveal a record of abusive offences, or suggest a risk of violence, they’ll consider sharing the information.

4) If the Police decide to reveal information (this is called making a disclosure), it will be done in person. None of the disclosure will be in writing. This will usually be made to the person at risk. This is unless, in the circumstances, someone else is better placed to use the information to protect the person at risk from abuse. 

For more information about Clare's Law, please use the links below.

Metropolitan Police

Essex Police

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, either as a victim or a perpetrator, then you may like to look through this list of Domestic Abuse Support Agencies [ pdf] 39KB to find the support you need.

Other organisations who may be able to help you can be found below.

Female Victims of Domestic Abuse
Click the links below for contact details and further information. Please note that all of these links will open into a new window.
Compass - Domestic Abuse Helpline	Access to your Essex Domestic Abuse support service. The COMPASS helpline 0330 3337444 is open every day; 8am – 8pm, Mon – Fri 8am – 1pm, Sat – Sun. Outside these hours, there is information and national 24hr numbers available on the Compass website where you can also make an online referral and be contacted within 24hrs.
National Centre for Domestic Violence	Provides help with getting an injunction.
National Women's Aid 24 hour free helpline	Keeps an up-to-date list of all refuge accommodation across the country.
National Centre for Domestic Violence	Provides help with getting an injunction.
Rights of Women	Provides information to women concerning legal rights.
Victim Support	Offers free confidential support to anyone, whether or not the crime has been reported to the police, and has a drop-in service in Thurrock.
Asylum Aid	Provides free legal representation and advice to asylum seekers and refugees, helping women fleeing serious human rights violations to gain protection in the UK.
Chinese Information and Advice Centre	Confidential support for Chinese women who are victims of domestic abuse on a range of issues, with female volunteers who speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Jewish Women's Aid	An organisation run by Jewish women for Jewish women and children who have been subjected to domestic abuse.
Southall Black Sisters	Provides information, advice, advocacy, practical help, counselling and support to Asian and African-Caribbean women and children experiencing domestic abuse and sexual abuse, including marriage and honour crimes.
National Stalking Helpline	Provides information, help and support and advice to those who are, or who feel they may be, victims of stalking.
Forced Marriage Information & Forced Marriage Unit	Guidance and support for those who have been, or are being, forced to marry against their will.
Domestic Abuse (Essex Police)	Information about, and support for sufferers of, domestic abuse and how Essex Police can help.
Male Victims of Domestic Abuse
Compass - Domestic Abuse Helpline	Access to your Essex Domestic Abuse support service. The COMPASS helpline 0330 3337444 is open every day; 8am – 8pm, Mon – Fri 8am – 1pm, Sat – Sun. Outside these hours, there is information and national 24hr numbers available on the Compass website where you can also make an online referral and be contacted within 24hrs.
Men's Advice Line	A confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner, including heterosexual and same-sex relationships.
ManKind Initiative	A helpline offering advice and emotional support.
Children
Childline	A free, private and confidential service offering support and advice to children regarding any problem, situation or pressure they may be facing.
Disability Support Groups
Thurrock Coalition	Offers support and advice for residents of Thurrock with both physical and learning disabilities.
Respond	Works with children and adults with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse or trauma.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Victims
Galop	National domestic violence helpline that provides confidential support to all members of LGBT communities and their family and friends.
For Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse
RESPECT	Confidential helpline offering advice, information and support to help you stop being violent and abusive to your partner.