A NEW scheme giving people who fear their partner may be abusive the right to know if they have a violent past has been welcomed by former victims – but they have raised concerns over how it would operate.

Home Secretary Theresa May announced this week that Wiltshire Police would be one of four forces to trial 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 offending by their partner.

Both men and women will be able to find out if their partner has a violent past.

Women who turned to domestic violence charity Home Truths’ freedom programme said they would have used the new law, but said it would have to be handled properly for it to work.

Their concerns were that the disclosures will only refer to convictions, which charities point out are rare in domestic violence cases, and also whether there would be any action following a disclosure if the victim is thought to be at risk.

Among them was Jacky, who recently divorced an abusive husband after 14 years.

She said: “He was the most charming man in the beginning, but as soon as the ring was on my finger it was like an immediate switch.

“The psychological and verbal abuse erodes you as a person until you are just numb.

“I’m not looking to make a commitment again, but if I did I would want to know a bit more information about the person.”

Mother-of-two Sarah, 42, has been through two relationships where her partners routinely verbally and mentally abused her.

“I think this can only do good and I would have used it the second time around,” she said.

“There needs to be good links between all the agencies, not just the police.

“I think it is still a taboo subject that people don’t talk about and so this might help break that.”

Tracey, 28, said she feared her ex-boyfriend would hurt her family if she left him, but she has since moved away.

She said: “It may make men think twice . At the moment we get the stigma, as victims, rather than the perpetrator.

“I think there needs to be someone who you can talk to about it even if there are no convictions.

“I think Clare Wood’s father deserves some praise for doing this because it must have been so much work and we all have a lot to thank him for.”

If you think you may be a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is you can contact Home Truths on 01793 617589, Swindon Women’s Refuge on 01793 536447 or Splitz outreach service on 01793 642245.