PEOPLE who fear their partner may have a history of violence now have a right to ask and to know under a scheme being piloted in Swindon.

Home Secretary Theresa May announced yesterday that Wiltshire Police would one of four forces to trial the so-called Clare’s Law, named after Clare Wood, who was strangled and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend in Salford, Greater Manchester, three years ago.

The 12-month trial, which will start in the summer, will test the methods used by police to help victims, or potential victims, of domestic violence by disclosing information about previous violent offending by their partner. Both men and women will be able to find out if their partner has a violent past.

It will run in tandem with another domestic violence scheme being tested in the county, Domestic Violence Prevention Orders which can ban an abusive partner from the family home for up to a month.

The scheme is the result of campaigning by Ms Wood’s father, Michael Brown, while Wiltshire Chief Constable Brian Moore also recommended in a report that the Home Secretary consider introducing a disclosure scheme.

Detective Chief Superintendent Kier Pritchard, head of protective services at Wiltshire Police, said: “As a force we have a firm commitment to combat domestic abuse, so we are pleased to have been selected to pilot Clare’s Law.

“Since last summer we have improved the safety of more than 100 women in Swindon and Wiltshire thanks to Domestic Violence Protection Orders, another Home Office pilot.

“We know from talking to victims how much they have appreciated this breathing space which has allowed them to seek legal advice and support from partner agencies and to plan a safer future for them and any children they may have.

“The Clare’s Law pilot will allow women in Swindon and Wiltshire who have concerns about a new boyfriend, or an existing partner, to ask us if anything is known.

“We expect that the Police National Database, which went live in Wiltshire last summer, could in some such cases prove to be an extremely useful tool when we carry out such disclosure checks.

“We are proud that Wiltshire is the safest county in the country and we hope the Clare’s Law pilot will further improve the safety and wellbeing of women in Swindon and Wiltshire.”

Gwent, Greater Manchester and Nottinghamshire are the other forces chosen by the Home Office to test the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

Fran Lewis, executive director of Splitz Support Service, said: “As local providers of services for people with experience of domestic violence, we welcome all initiatives that help to make victims and their children safer, particularly opportunities which empower victims to make informed decisions when they have concerns.

“The most important issue, which is paramount, is the safety of victims and we welcome all legislation when it is managed in a safe and appropriate way.

“We are very keen to continue to be part of a community, co-ordinated, integrated response and we are now waiting for Home Office Guidance regarding the implementation of Clare’s Law.”