Please see information about Clare's Law and Sarah's Law which allow you to keep yourselves and your children safe. If you have any questions or would like any support, please contact Mrs Gemma Sykes via dojo or using the office number - 01366 383824.
CLARE'S LAW
Clare’s Law is formally known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) in England.
DVDS is a police - run scheme that lets you, or any member of the public formally request or receive usually confidential information about a romantic partner's criminal history.
This might be a current partner who you are worried might have been abusive in the past. It can also be an ex-partner you are no longer involved with but believe may be a threat to your safety.
You can make a DVDS application if you believe you are personally at risk of abuse, or are concerned on behalf of a close friend or relative.
Under Clare’s Law you have two rights: to ask, and to know.
1 - The ‘right to ask’ means that you can make a DVDS application to ask about a current or ex-partner that you think might have a record of abusive behaviour or violence. Any information that the police share with you about a partner is called ‘disclosure’.
You can also ask on behalf of a close friend or relative, who you think might be at risk from their current or former partner. However, you may not necessarily receive any disclosure depending on who you are. The police may decide it is more appropriate to share with your loved one directly, or with someone who is more able to protect their safety.
2 - The ‘right to know’ means that if police checks show that your current or ex-partner has a history of abusive behaviour, they may proactively share that information with you because they believe you are at future risk.
WEBSITE for NORFOLK -
https://www.norfolk.police.uk/rqo/request/ri/request-information/cl/triage/v2/request-information-under-clares-law/
SARAH'S LAW -
What is Sarah’s Law?
Sarah’s Law, or the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, allows parents, carers and guardians to ask the police to tell them if someone has a criminal record for child sexual offences.
If police checks show the individual has a record for child sexual offences, or other offences that might put the child at risk, the police will consider sharing this information.
The police will only consider telling the person best placed to protect the child - usually a parent, carer or guardian - if the person being checked has a record of child sexual offences or other offences that indicate they may pose a risk to a child.
The police will disclose information only if it is lawful, necessary and proportionate to do so in the interests of protecting the child, or children, from harm.
Website for Norfolk -
https://www.norfolk.police.uk/rqo/request/ri/request-information/sarahs-law/information/v1/sarahs-law-child-sex-offender-disclosure-scheme/