Clare's Law

Aug 19, 2025

4 min read

Clare's Law - the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS).

Who was Clare? In short, Clare WOOD was a 36 year old female from Yorkshire who began a relationship with a man called George APPLETON in 2007. They met online and got to know each other on Facebook during 2007 and dated for a number of months. Clair was totally unaware that George had a criminal history which consisted of violent and abusive behaviour and more disturbingly, towards women.

The abuse started, George started to control Clare and show coercive behaviour. She decided to end the relationship but he refused to believe that it was over. He carried on subjecting Clare to abusive behaviour, damaging her property, making threats of violence, harassing her and attempting to assault her.

Clare approached the Police and provided a statement of complaint and got a restraining order against him but his behaviour remained unchecked. He made further threats to burn her house down, smash windows, have her stabbed, threatened her with an iron and made repeated abusive comments towards her.

George took Clare's life on 2 February 2009. He strangled her and set her on fire inside her own home.

She was found dead which sparked a nationwide manhunt for George APPLETON. He was found hanging in a derelict pub six days after Clare's body had been discovered.

Data protection failings

Greater Manchester Police were aware of his history but had not disclosed anything to Clare because of data protection laws. Criminals like him were able to keep their records confidential. Vulnerable domestic partners were unable to ask questions about their abusers.

Clare's father Michael BROWN challenged this law and began campaigning for 5 years and succeeded in changing the law to allow police to disclose and inform people of their partners' criminal past and records.

Clare's Law was born and introduced in England and Wales in 2014.

If you are in an abusive relationship, something doesn't feel right, a friend or colleague is quiet, injured all the time, hiding bruises, unable to attend work events, unable to meet you, maybe try and discuss the disclosure scheme with them. It may just save their or your life.

Remember if your phone or movements are tracked you may be in danger, borrow a phone or attend your local library and use their computer, your safety is everything.

Getting help

If you are in immediate danger or it's an emergency call 999.

For advice, you can make an appointment to see your doctor, they will be able to signpost you to help, the appointment will also act as a record if you need to take something to court, if you are injured, the injuries can be documented with your consent.

'Injury capture' app - download from Google and App stores

An app that lets you record injuries sustained during domestic violence.

If you can't add the app to your phone because of safety reasons, ask a trusted friend to keep the app on their phone.

'Bright Sky' app

Looks like a weather app on your phone but once opened takes you to a supportive webpage that lets you document incidents, capture images, seek advice and get support in your area.

If you would like to report an offence then contact your local Police force.

They will be able to guide you through the process and go through your options, our first and main priority is your safety and wellbeing.

Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge

0808 200 0247

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Institute for Addressing Strangulation (ifas.org.uk )

www.ifas.org.uk

Refuge - National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 200 0247

www.refuge.org.uk

Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline