A scheme to let people find out if their partner has a history of domestic abuse is to be piloted in Scotland.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen House of Police Scotland has proposed that a working party be formed to see how to put into practice “Clare’s Law”, which is being tried out in England and Wales.
The initiative has been championed Aberdeen man Michael Brown, whose 36-year-old daughter, Clare Wood, was strangled and set on fire by her former boyfriend, George Appleton, at her home in Salford, Greater Manchester, in February 2009.
Miss Wood, a mother of one, met Appleton on Facebook, unaware of his horrific history of violence against women, including repeated harassment, threats and the kidnapping at knifepoint of one of a former girlfriend.
First Minister Alex Salmond told MSPs yesterday that Sir Stephen would be taking forward the Scottish initiative.
He said: “The chief constable has proposed a multi-agency group to set up and develop a pilot on a Clare’s Law disclosure scheme in Scotland.”
Mr Salmond said the initiative – as well as the possibility of introducing a specific charge for domestic abuse proposed by Solicitor-General Lesley Thomson – would be given careful consideration.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who has called for a disclosure law, thanked the government for taking on board the idea.
“Thousands of people across Scotland suffer domestic abuse each year, and this law could help protect many of them,” she said.
“We know from pilot schemes in other parts of the UK that Clare’s Law works, and Scotland couldn’t afford to be left behind. We need as many tools as possible to tackle domestic abuse. Clare’s Law is an important addition to that toolbox.”
Inspector Deborah Barton said Police Scotland would be “relentless” in targeting the perpetrators of domestic abuse and ensuring victims get the right support. “A pilot involving a number of partners, including the Crown Office and victims’ groups and health agencies, will allow us to properly test and prepare for its implementation in Scotland.”