I entered a relationship believing I was safe after submitting a request under Clare’s Law, a scheme designed to warn individuals if their partner has a history of violence. My request came back clear.

I was later subjected to serious domestic abuse, including emotional, psychological, financial, and physical violence. The man I trusted was charged with coercive control, non-fatal strangulation, ABH, criminal damage, rape, sexual assault, and witness intimidation against me.

Afterwards, I learned he had previous charges and two former partners had obtained non-molestation orders against him. None of this was disclosed through Clare’s Law.

The reason: although I provided his correct name and birth date (day and month), he had given me the wrong birth year. Because of this single discrepancy, his history was not identified. Non-molestation orders are also not disclosed under Clare’s Law, leaving critical safeguarding information hidden.

Clare’s Law is meant to prevent abuse before it happens. When known offenders can avoid detection due to minor errors or gaps in disclosure, the system is failing those it was created to protect.

Domestic abuse affects millions each year in England and Wales. Clare’s Law must work effectively to prevent further harm.

We call for urgent reform:

1: Stronger identity verification and cross-checking
2: Better police resources and training
3: Manual safeguarding checks when details partially match.

Please sign this petition to strengthen Clare’s Law and help protect future victims.