England & Wales · 2021
Domestic Abuse Act 2021, s.77 — Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare's Law)
Protects: Anyone who may be at risk of DA from a current or prospective partner; third parties who fear someone they know is at risk.
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Summary
Put the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme on a statutory footing. Two limbs: 'Right to Ask' (you ask the police about a partner) and 'Right to Know' (police proactively disclose). Police must have regard to statutory guidance.
Key provisions
Right to Ask
Anyone can request information about a person's history of DA or violence.
Right to Know
Police can disclose information without a request where there is a pressing need to protect a potential victim.
What this Act affects
The specific protective court orders and decision points this Act creates or feeds — with the exact statutory section.
Right to Ask / Right to Know
s.77 DAA 2021Decision point: police disclosure of a partner's DA history. Underpins safety planning and supports NMO/DAPO applications.