West Yorkshire Police will provide new confidentiality statement to help people explain to loved ones that they have received a Clare’s Law disclosure
The new confidentiality statement will be provided to individuals from May 2025 when they receive a Clare’s Law disclosure, allowing them share with loved ones that they have used the domestic abuse disclosure scheme. The change has been brought about by the Leeds Domestic Violence Service Voices Project, which supports victim-survivors to engage with organisations to improve future outcomes.
One participant of the Voices Project had highlighted how after she received a Clare’s Law disclosure about her partner, the police told her she couldn’t tell anyone that she sought a disclosure, so she didn’t know what to say to her friends.
She explained: “The policewoman told me whatever we do disclose, you cannot share with anyone…which was the only bit that was a little uncomfortable because it’s quite scary being told if you tell anybody this, you could get in trouble, and I still struggle with that now.
He (then ex-partner) spread some nasty things about me to mutual friends and I couldn’t tell them the truth, and I couldn’t explain ‘actually no it’s because of this’. I had to lose friends because of it, because they can’t understand.
You’re left very much on your own in it and you’re expected to just ‘get on’, where actually they can go around and say whatever they want about you.”
Violence Against Women and Girls lead for West Yorkshire Police, Detective Superintendent Heather Wilson, said:
“The new confidentiality statement is one of many examples of changes made to police processes based on first- hand accounts and feedback from victim-survivors.
“It cannot be underestimated how invaluable feedback from victim-survivors can be in helping us to shape and improve our processes already in place. It is also incredibly difficult to talk about previous offending and their own experiences, and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the LDVS Voices Project, who have shown such dedication and bravery to help influence positive change.
“It has been great to work with Leeds Domestic Violence Service and we hope to continue to support and gain support through opportunities from initiatives like the Voices Project.”
Since engaging with the Voices Project, the victim-survivor who had shared her insights about Clare’s Law, said:
“Not only has this project given a voice to victim-survivors and shared their findings with the police and other services, but it has also brought about much needed change. I felt like no matter how loud we all shouted for change, we were not being heard.
Due to this project, we were heard loud and clear, and the future for those experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse feels that little bit brighter, and that is a truly incredible thing.”
The LDVS Voices Project is commissioned by Leeds City Council and has four dedicated teams to engage with women, men, children and the LGBT+ communities. Working with dedicated groups enables a clear understanding of the different challenges that people face in Leeds, and the insights gained are then used to improve and shape domestic abuse services. The specialist organisations commissioned on this project are Leeds Women’s Aid, Behind Closed Doors and Yorkshire MESMAC.
To hear insights from victim-survivors about their experience of Clare’s Law and other key projects, visit: www.ldvs.uk/the-ldvs-voices-project/womens-lived-experience-voices/
Recent Comments