Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application
This form isn't for reporting domestic abuse. If you need to do that, please report a crime.
Clare’s Law allows the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have. It means we can provide information that helps protect people at risk and prevent further crimes.
Under Clare's Law you can apply for information about:
- a current or ex-partner that you still have contact with, because you're worried they may have a history of abuse, and are a risk to you
- a current or ex-partner of a friend or relative that they still have contact with, because you're worried they might be at risk
You might not be eligible for the information you want. After we've reviewed your request, we'll let you know if you are.
Please note: Any information released under Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) is not a full criminal record. The information we provide is often in a summary, redacted and will only say what is necessary to protect the person at risk of harm.
It does not replace: CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checks, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, subject access requests or FOI requests. Any disclosure is confidential and cannot be used in court proceedings.
If you live in Scotland, you can request information under the disclosure scheme for domestic abuse Scotland.
Advice tool
Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application
You can make a DVDS request in two ways: online or at a police station.
What happens after I make a request?
We aim to do an initial review of the application within 24 hours to assess whether:
- There is any immediate or imminent risk.
- The application can progress (You might not be eligible for the information you want. After we've reviewed your request, we'll let you know if you are.)
If your request can continue, we'll send it to the right team or unit. They will aim to contact you within 10 working days to arrange a meeting, either in person or by video call.
At the meeting, you will need to show proof of identity. A passport or driving licence is best. If you don’t have these, we may accept another photo ID or documents like a birth certificate, utility bill, or bank statement.
We will only share information with the person who is at risk of harm, or the person who is best placed to protect that person from harm. If we decide to share information, we will do it verbally. We do not share written copies of the disclosure.
If we think someone is at risk, or if you tell us a crime has happened, we or our partner agencies may act straight away. Domestic abuse is a crime.
We aim to complete applications within 28 working days. There may be reasons why it takes longer than this. If it does, we will let you know.
If you think someone is at risk, or you suspect or know about domestic abuse happening, please call us on 101 or report it to us online.
If you think someone is at risk, or you suspect or know about domestic abuse happening, please call us on 101 or report it to us online.