16 September 2011

Campaign for 'Clare's Law'

A campaign was launched on Monday 12th September to introduce a new 'Respect and Protect - Clare's Law' in reference to Clare Wood, who was murdered in 2009. Ms Wood met George Appleton, her killer, via Facebook without being aware of his record of domestic violence against previous partners.

The proposal, which is backed by Ms Wood's father Michael Brown, comes amid concern that women are increasingly meeting men via the internet with little or no knowledge of their pasts. According to the Mail on Sunday, Theresa May, the Home Secretary, has indicated in a letter that she is considering the idea.

Hazel Blears, the former Home Office minister, is leading the campaign for the law change. She will be joined at the campaign launch by Mr Brown and Brian Moore from the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Ms Blears said: ''Women in Clare's situation are often unaware of their partner's previous relationships and this can mean they start a relationship with someone with no idea if they have a violent past.

''Clare's tragic death shows how vulnerable women aren't always protected under the current law, and until women are given the right to know if their partner has a history of serial domestic abuse, they can't be sure of the risk that they face.

''By changing the law we can empower women so that they can take informed action about their relationship and give them the chance to protect themselves and prevent domestic abuse from happening before it begins.''

Louise Casey, Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses, said the proposal had her ''full support''.

''This seems common sense to me. Our priority should not be protecting a perpetrator's privacy at the expense of costing a woman's life,'' she said.

However, Tory MP Robert Buckland, a member of the Commons Justice Committee, warned that there would have to be ''strict controls'' on such a system.

Further information can be seen at various press releases such as The Daily Telegraph - at

Daily Mail

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