A pilot scheme that allows people to see if their partner has a history of domestic abuse has been launched in Aberdeen and Ayrshire in an attempt to tackle domestic violence in Scotland.
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland, also known as Clare’s law, will be implemented for six months, and depending on it’s success, could be seen across the rest od Scotland.
Pilot Scheme
The pilot scheme, which started in Scotland on the 25th November, comes following a similar law in England and Wales which allows partners to learn of any violent issues in a partner's past.
The law is named after Clare Wood, who was killed by her partner who had a history of domestic abuse she was unaware of.
The pilot scheme saw the Scottish Government consult with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Women's Aid and Assist advocacy services before making the decision to roll out the scheme.
Way to Help People
The father of Clare Wood, who has long campaigned for the law said: “It is not acceptable that domestic abuse exists in this day and age and the sooner people are helped to get out of that environment the better.
"If Clare had known George Appleton's background she almost certainly wouldn't have become involved with him and if I had the knowledge I have now perhaps something could have been done and Clare would still be here today.”
He added: "This scheme is another way to help people and I can only see it as a good thing. If it prevents just one child from growing up without a mother or a father it will be worth its weight in gold."
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