Warnings under Clare’s Law nearly double in five years as Scotland records rising domestic abuse reports

# What happened The number of disclosures made by Police Scotland under the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (commonly referred to as Clare's Law) has risen steadily. Official figures released under Freedom of Information show 2,305 disclosures in 2021 and 4,082 in 2025 — an increase of almost 80 percent.

Clare's Law lets people apply to the police to find out whether a current or prospective partner has a record of abusive behaviour. The scheme also allows concerned friends or family members to apply on someone else's behalf.

# Why the scheme exists Clare's Law was named after Clare Wood, a mother who was murdered and set on fire in Salford in 2009 by an ex-partner with a history of violence. Her father campaigned for a legal route allowing people to check whether a partner had prior abusive behaviour.

# What the numbers show

Detective Superintendent Adam Brown of Police Scotland's Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit described the Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme (DSDAS) as an "important preventative tool." He said the force actively promotes the scheme and encourages anyone with concerns to submit an application through the Police Scotland website.

Survivors and campaigners welcome the wider availability of disclosures but urge caution about relying on the scheme alone. Eve Graham, who endured more than 40 years of abuse, said the option for friends and family to seek disclosures is a valuable safeguard when "love is blind." Her case includes multiple assaults by her former husband, William McDonald, who was jailed and given a non-harassment order.

Dr Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women's Aid, warned against reading too much into the rising disclosure numbers. She said the statistics do not show whether more men are committing abuse or whether awareness of the scheme has grown. She described the Disclosure Scheme as "a sticking plaster, not a cure," and said it places an unfair burden on women to identify and manage risk.

# What it means for people considering a relationship A disclosure can provide information that helps someone decide whether to continue a relationship and how to protect themselves. Police Scotland says receiving a disclosure can inform decisions about safety and next steps. The application form is accessible on the police website.

# Broader context The rise in disclosures sits alongside broader increases in recorded domestic abuse activity in Scotland. Policymakers, law enforcement, and support services face pressure to address both prevention and responses to domestic violence while making practical options available for people at immediate risk.

# Practical takeaway If you or someone you know is concerned about a partner's past, Police Scotland's Disclosure Scheme provides a formal route to request information. Use the official application on the Police Scotland website and consider contacting local support services for advice and safety planning.