GMP received 1,600 applications for Clare's Law last year... but many domestic abuse victims still don't know it exists

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Police in Greater Manchester received thousands of applications to use Clare's Law last year, but many domestic abuse victims are still unaware the service exists.

In 2021, the force dealt with 1,629 requests under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), to check whether an individual may pose a risk to them or their loved ones.

The service was launched following the death of Salford mum, Clare Wood, who was 36 when she was strangled and set on fire 13 years ago by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton.

READ MORE:Coward caused horror smash then fled as his mate took last breath

Appleton made a series of chilling threats towards her when she ended their relationship after 10 months, culminating in her murder on February 2, 2009.

It later emerged that Appleton, who killed himself after he murdered the mum-of-one, had a history of violence against women.

In 2014, as a result of a campaign spearheaded by her father, Michael Brown, the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme was rolled out across the country after a trial in Manchester.

Anyone can submit an application via the police.

If checks show that an individual has a record of offences relating to abuse, or there is information to indicate the applicant is at risk, the police will consider sharing this information.

The service has given thousands of women, and men, the power to make an informed decision about whether continue relationships that could potentially become dangerous.

But there are still many current and future domestic abuse victims, who don't know the service exists.

Holly Jepson, 23, was stuck in a tower block in Stockport for two years, fearing her drug-addict boyfriend would kill her.

Her partner, Tom Fosbrook, would beat her, controlled her finances,