Recurring concern

Failure to reliably apply Clare's Law domestic abuse disclosure procedures

First to latest report 18 Nov 2020 — 4 May 2026

Reports that mention this concern
2
Times this concern has been raised
4
Stated actions linked to this concern
6

What this concern includes

Includes failures in the named Clare's Law or Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme process, including understanding applicability, accepting and progressing applications, assessing disclosure relevance, referring cases for multi-agency consideration and making or communicating appropriate disclosure decisions.

What is not included
  • Excludes generic domestic-abuse investigation, safeguarding, risk-assessment or safety-planning failures where the Clare's Law disclosure process is not the deficient control.
  • Excludes failures involving other police disclosure or notification schemes unless the assertion explicitly concerns Clare's Law or the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
  • Excludes failures in protective action after a Clare's Law disclosure has been reliably completed where the disclosure process itself was adequate.
  • Excludes generic police training, communication or policy deficiencies unless they directly impair the operation of the Clare's Law disclosure process.

Reports and published responses 2 reports

See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response

  1. Bedfordshire and Luton

    AI-generated summary

    Suseel RANA · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Suseel RANA, who had mental health conditions and was experiencing anxiety and fear linked to domestic abuse, died by suicide after ingesting an excess of a substance. Concerns included the failure to progress her Clare’s Law application, a misunderstanding about its use for a previous partner, and the failure to recognise her anxiety as requiring further safety planning and multi-agency support.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of clarity in DVDS Guidance about progression after intelligence checks and before disclosure decisions

    Wider context from the report

    “5) Whilst paragraph 76 of the DVDS Guidance states: "The police may make the decision not to progress the disclosure following the completion of intelligence checks" - it is not currently clear whether the intention of the Guidance is for Police still to proceed to the decision making stage as to whether to make any disclosure or not (which would involve the multi-agency referral referenced above) or, whether, in that situation no further steps at all are required (as occurred in respect of the Deceased's application). ”

    Source location

    Suseel RANA · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to correctly understand Clare's Law applicability to previous partners

    Wider context from the report

    “1) In seeking some reassurance as to her safety, the Deceased had made a Clare's Law application under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) prior to her death; however, this was had not been progressed by Police. 2) The reason for the lack of progression of the Deceased's Clare's Law application appear to have been based on a misunderstanding by the investigating officer that Clare's law could not be used in respect of a previous partner. 3) Neither the investigating officer nor the supervising officer appeared to recognise the Deceased's level of anxiety, as indicated by her Clare's Law application, required further safety planning. 4) The lack of progression of the Deceased's Clare's Law application to the actual decision making stage meant that the steps envisaged by the DVDS Guidance, which include a referral to a multi-agency forum (as illustrated by Figure 1 on page 8 of the Guidance), were not taken. Had such steps been taken, it is likely that the Deceased would have been more supported. ”

    Source location

    Suseel RANA · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to progress Clare's Law applications through the DVDS decision-making stage and associated multi-agency referral

    Wider context from the report

    “1) In seeking some reassurance as to her safety, the Deceased had made a Clare's Law application under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) prior to her death; however, this was had not been progressed by Police. 2) The reason for the lack of progression of the Deceased's Clare's Law application appear to have been based on a misunderstanding by the investigating officer that Clare's law could not be used in respect of a previous partner. 3) Neither the investigating officer nor the supervising officer appeared to recognise the Deceased's level of anxiety, as indicated by her Clare's Law application, required further safety planning. 4) The lack of progression of the Deceased's Clare's Law application to the actual decision making stage meant that the steps envisaged by the DVDS Guidance, which include a referral to a multi-agency forum (as illustrated by Figure 1 on page 8 of the Guidance), were not taken. Had such steps been taken, it is likely that the Deceased would have been more supported. ”

    Source location

    Suseel RANA · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Work with national safeguarding and police-conduct bodies to create a clearer, more consistent DVDS implementation framework, incorporating the issues raised.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I am aware that there are issues and inconsistencies in the way that the DVDS is currently being implemented across forces in England and Wales, and that more needs to be done to make sure the current scheme is working well for victims. In the VAWG Strategy, the Home Office committed to working closely with the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection and the Independent Office for Police Conduct to create a clearer, more consistent framework for police and other agencies to improve implementation of the DVDS.”

    Source location

    Response from Home Office
    Page 2 · response
    Published 10 July 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Multi-agency forum referrals are not mandatory for every DVDS case, although high-risk applications should always be referred.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The DVDS statutory guidance indicates that it is best practice for police to refer cases to a multi-agency forum to inform disclosure decisions and advise on safeguarding measures, and that high risk applications should always be referred. However, such referrals are not mandatory and do not happen in every case. Nevertheless, the guidance recognises that in making a request, a person is often registering concerns about possible risks to their own safety. The guidance is also clear that safety planning should be undertaken for all”

    Source location

    Response from Home Office
    Page 1 · response
    Published 10 July 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The former-partner DVDS application was assessed under the applicable framework, and non-disclosure resulted from intelligence findings and proportionality considerations, not misunderstanding.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The DVDS applies to both current and former partners. This is clearly reflected in Bedfordshire Police policy and practice.”

    Source location

    Response from Bedfordshire Police
    Page 3 · response
    Published 10 July 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The Home Office cannot comment on or intervene in individual police cases because police forces are independent of Government.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “At points 10(2) and 10(3) in your report you raise concerns around the way Bedfordshire Police officers handled Ms Rana’s DVDS application. I am unfortunately unable to comment on or intervene in individual cases or police investigations. This is because the police are independent of Government. However, I see that you have also shared your report with the Chief Constable for Bedfordshire Police, who I hope will be able to address these points.”

    Source location

    Response from Home Office
    Page 1 · response
    Published 10 July 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Bedfordshire Police’s Chief Constable is responsible for addressing concerns about officers’ handling of the DVDS application.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “At points 10(2) and 10(3) in your report you raise concerns around the way Bedfordshire Police officers handled Ms Rana’s DVDS application. I am unfortunately unable to comment on or intervene in individual cases or police investigations. This is because the police are independent of Government. However, I see that you have also shared your report with the Chief Constable for Bedfordshire Police, who I hope will be able to address these points.”

    Source location

    Response from Home Office
    Page 1 · response
    Published 10 July 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The DVDS applications were progressed through intelligence checks, supervisory review and formal decision-making, contrary to the concern that progression failed.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Both applications were accepted, progressed through all relevant stages, subject to intelligence checks and reviewed at supervisory level.”

    Source location

    Response from Bedfordshire Police
    Page 2 · response
    Published 10 July 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Ongoing safety planning for all DVDS cases should provide appropriate safeguarding support regardless of whether an application reaches decision-making.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The DVDS statutory guidance indicates that it is best practice for police to refer cases to a multi-agency forum to inform disclosure decisions and advise on safeguarding measures, and that high risk applications should always be referred. However, such referrals are not mandatory and do not happen in every case. Nevertheless, the guidance recognises that in making a request, a person is often registering concerns about possible risks to their own safety. The guidance is also clear that safety planning should be undertaken for all”

    Source location

    Response from Home Office
    Page 1 · response
    Published 10 July 2026

    Open published response

  2. Manchester South

    AI-generated summary

    Alfie Gildea · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Alfie Gildea sustained catastrophic injuries consistent with being shaken with force while in his father's care on 12 September 2018 and died from his injuries on 14 September 2018. The report identifies concerns about failures by police, children's services, health visiting services and the CPS to recognise, assess, share and act on domestic abuse risks, including coercive and controlling behaviour.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Limited police recognition and use of Claire's Law in domestic abuse cases

    Wider context from the report

    “7. Recognition of when and how Claire's Law should be used and the understanding of its importance in DA cases was limited amongst the officers giving evidence. ”

    Source location

    Alfie Gildea · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Review Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme guidance with police, including process timelines, risk assessments and safety planning.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare’s Law, is an important tool designed to keep people safe and we are working with the police to review the guidance used by forces. Under Clause 70 of the Domestic Abuse Bill, we are seeking to place the guidance that underpins DVDS onto a statutory footing to drive greater use and consistent application of the scheme by placing an express duty on the police to have regard to the guidance. Alongside legislation, we are reviewing the content of the guidance to ensure they are applied consistently across the country and are as effective as possible in helping to protect victims. This review will consider the timelines involved in the process and the use of risk assessments and safety planning.”

    Source location

    2020-0242-Response-from-Home-Office-Redacted.pdf
    Page 1 · response
    Published 24 December 2020

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Place Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme guidance on a statutory footing through the Domestic Abuse Bill.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare’s Law, is an important tool designed to keep people safe and we are working with the police to review the guidance used by forces. Under Clause 70 of the Domestic Abuse Bill, we are seeking to place the guidance that underpins DVDS onto a statutory footing to drive greater use and consistent application of the scheme by placing an express duty on the police to have regard to the guidance. Alongside legislation, we are reviewing the content of the guidance to ensure they are applied consistently across the country and are as effective as possible in helping to protect victims. This review will consider the timelines involved in the process and the use of risk assessments and safety planning.”

    Source location

    2020-0242-Response-from-Home-Office-Redacted.pdf
    Page 1 · response
    Published 24 December 2020

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Revise the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme policy so safeguarding teams consider Clare’s Law on every domestic abuse incident and Detective Inspectors authorise disclosure wording.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) policy has recently been submitted to GMP’s Policy and Strategy team for rework. The revised policy has made a number of enhancements to ensure that Clare's Law is considered by safeguarding teams on every domestic abuse incident they receive. The revised policy has also re-instated that a Detective Inspector should review and authorise the form of words that is to be disclosed to the victim.”

    Source location

    2020-0242-Response-from-Greater-Manchester-Police-Redacted.pdf
    Page 5 · response
    Published 24 December 2020

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Introduce an iOPS marker recording Clare’s Law applications and whether a disclosure was made.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In Spring/Summer 2021, there will be a specific DVDS marker available in iOPS which will be applied to a person's record to reflect that they have made an application under Clare's Law. The information marker will denote whether a disclosure was made or not and where further information about the disclosure can be located. This will also make it far more visible to all officers that concerns have been raised by either an individual, a third party, or by GMP.”

    Source location

    2020-0242-Response-from-Greater-Manchester-Police-Redacted.pdf
    Page 5 · response
    Published 24 December 2020

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Develop accompanying training material on the revised Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme policy and process.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “It is intended that when the revised policy is agreed, estimated to be in February 2021, there will be accompanying training material to raise awareness of the key changes and of the process itself.”

    Source location

    2020-0242-Response-from-Greater-Manchester-Police-Redacted.pdf
    Page 5 · response
    Published 24 December 2020

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Other named respondents are responsible for addressing the coroner’s concerns; this response covers only broader learning-sharing issues within its remit.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I have noted that your Regulation 28 letter has also been sent to Greater Manchester Police, Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, The Crown Prosecution Service, the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care and I will leave it to the named respondents to address the concerns which you have expressed. My letter therefore addresses the issues that fall within the remit of GMHSCP more widely around how we can share the learning from this case.”

    Source location

    2020-0242-Response-from-Greater-Manchester-Health-and-Social-Care-Partnership-Redacted.pdf
    Page 1 · response
    Published 24 December 2020

    Open published response

Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.

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Data last updated 7 September 2026