Clare's Law
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.
Domestic Abuse Contact Information
If you would prefer, you can download our Domestic_Abuse_Contact_Information_24-01-2022.pdf [pdf] 213KB to find the support you need.
Female Victims of Domestic Abuse
24 Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call 0808 2000 247
The Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
Call 0808 2000 247
Refuge supports more than 4,600 women, children and men on any given day through a range of services, including refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach and culturally specific services.
Call 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid is a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services in England, and to build a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated.
Call 0800 802 9999
Provides advice on how to get help if someone has experienced rape, child sexual abuse and/or any kind of sexual violence and details of your nearest Rape Crisis Services.
Compass - Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call 0330 337 4444
Access to your Essex Domestic Abuse support service. The COMPASS helpline 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.
Provides information to women concerning legal rights.
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.
Call 0207 354 9631
Email advice@asylumaid.org.uk
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
Call 0300 201 1868
Email info@ciac.co.uk
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.
Iranian & Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation
Call 0207 920 6460
Email info@ikwro.org.uk
IKWRO is a registered charity which provides advice and support to Middle Eastern and Afgham women and girls living in the UK who are facing Forced Marriage, Child Marriage, “Honour”-Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation or Domestic Violence. We offer advice in Farsi, Dari, Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish and English, and run a free counselling service in Farsi, Kurdish, Arabic and English.
Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 801 0500
An organisation run by Jewish women for Jewish women and children who have been subjected to domestic abuse.
Call 0800 5999 247
Email info@karmanirvana.org.uk
Karma Nirvana is an award-winning British Human Rights charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage. Honour crimes are not determined by age, faith, gender or sexuality. We support and work with all victims.
Call 0208 960 4000
Email forward@forwarduk.org.uk
FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development) is committed to gender equality and safeguarding the rights of African girls and women. They are a leading African diaspora women’s campaign and support organisation. They work through partnerships in the UK, Europe and Africa to transform lives, tackling discriminatory practices that affect the dignity and wellbeing of girls and women. Their focus is on female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and obstetric fistula.
Call 0208 571 9595
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.
Call 0808 802 0300
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
Call 0207 008 0151
Email fmu@fcdo.gov.uk
Guidance and support for those who have been, or are being, forced to marry against their will.
Information about, and support for sufferers of, domestic abuse and how Essex Police can help.
Male Victims Of Domestic Abuse
Compass - Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call 0330 337 4444
Access to your Essex Domestic Abuse support service. The COMPASS helpline 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.
Call 0808 801 0327
A confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner, including heterosexual and same-sex relationships.
Call 01823 334244
A helpline offering advice and emotional support.
Disability Support Groups
Call 01494 687606
Text 07800 003421
UK sign language service to help deaf women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.
Call 01375 389864
Offers support and advice for residents of Thurrock with both physical and learning disabilities.
Call 020 7383 0700
Works with children and adults with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse or trauma.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Victims
Call 0800 999 5428
Email help@galop.org.uk
National domestic violence helpline that provides confidential support to all members of LGBT communities and their family and friends.
For Perpetrators Of Domestic Abuse
Call 0808 802 4040
Email info@respectphoneline.org.uk
A confidential helpline offering advice, information and support to help you stop being violent and abusive to your partner.