A new scheme to enable people to check whether their new partner has a history of domestic abuse could soon be rolled out across the north and north-east.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill yesterday met with the father of a woman murdered by her ex-boyfriend ahead of the introduction of a six month pilot scheme in Aberdeen which will allow access to a person’s offending history.
Police Scotland’s Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse, also known as “Clare’s Law”, starts on Tuesday and will be rolled out across the country if successful.
Mr MacAskill and assistant chief constable Wayne Mawson met Aberdeen-born Michael Brown, whose daughter Clare was murdered by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton in Salford, Greater Manchester, in 2009, at Holyrood.
She was unaware of his history of violence against women.
Under the scheme, people who have suspicions about their new partner can get in touch with the police either online or by telephone.
Mr Mawson said: “We then make an assessment on what information, if any, we can give to that person.
“If we deem it appropriate we then release that information and it gives that person the opportunity to make a informed decision to carry on or leave that relationship.”
The senior officer said each case would be treated on its own merits but officers might pay a visit to a person suspected of being an abuser and review intelligence reports and criminal records.
He said safeguards would be put in place to ensure people were not victimised by malicious complaints and the police would only release information in the “right cases”.
Aberdeen and Ayrshire were chosen to pilot the scheme because they are at opposite ends of the country and represented urban and rural communities.
Mr Brown, who was brought up in Ferryhill Terrace, Aberdeen, but now lives near Doncaster, said the law was a “victory for common sense”.
“I am quietly delighted about the pilot scheme but it is bitter sweet because if I had not lost my daughter I would not be here,” he added.
“If me and my cohorts, along the line five or six years, have saved but one girl it would have been worth all of our efforts but we hope to do better than that.”
Mr MacAskill paid tribute to Mr Brown’s “remarkable” strength and courage in leading a campaign that would help protect lives.