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Clare’s Law

Clare's Law
Clare Wood

 ​In Saskatchewan, Clare’s Law—officially known as the Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol (Clare’s Law) Act—allows individuals to request information about a current or former intimate partner’s history of violence or abusive behavior. This initiative aims to help individuals make informed decisions about their safety and relationships.

What is Clare’s Law?

Clare’s Law is named after Clare Wood who was a 36-year-old mother from England that was murdered by her ex-partner, George Appleton in 2009. Appleton had an extensive criminal history of intimate partner violence which was known to the police but unfortunately, was unaware to Clare. Data protection laws had allowed Appleton to keep the reasons behind his prior convictions confidential.

Clare ended their relationship after Appleton started displaying coercive behaviours. Appleton continued to harass Clare and display escalating behaviours until he ultimately took Clare’s life.

Clare’s father, Michael Brown, campaigned for legislative reform believing that knowledge of Appleton’s prior violence against women could have saved Clare’s life.

Under Clare’s Law, you have;

  • The right to ask: members of the public can submit an application to the police regarding someone’s history of violence or abusive behavior. This can come from the individual at risk or a concerned third party.
  • The right to know: where the police can make a proactive choice to disclose information to someone they believe may be at risk

Clare’s Law was implemented in England in 2014 and first adopted in Canada by the Saskatchewan government in 2020. It has since spread to but not yet been enacted in Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador and Manitoba.

Who Can Apply?

Individuals at Risk: Anyone who feels they may be at risk of harm from a current or former intimate partner can make an application.​

Third Parties: Concerned third parties, such as family members, friends, or professionals (e.g., shelter workers, social workers, psychologists), can apply on behalf of someone they believe is at risk. In such cases, the consent of the person at risk is preferred but not mandatory. ​

Application Process:

  1. Contact Local Police:

    Saskatoon Police
  •  Municipal Police Services: Visit your local municipal police station to initiate the application. For instance, in Saskatoon, you can fill out the “Clare’s Law – Appendix B – Minimum Standard of Info” form and bring it to the Service Centre at the Saskatoon Police Service Headquarters. Ensure you have valid identification, as proof of identity is required.
  • RCMP Detachments: If you’re in an area served by the RCMP, you can make an application by visiting the local RCMP detachment or by calling their non-emergency line. They can guide you through the process and provide necessary forms. ​

  1. Complete the Application:

Provide detailed information about the person whose history you’re inquiring about. This includes their full name, date of birth, and any other identifying details.​

Be prepared to share your relationship history and the reasons for your concern.​

  1. Risk Assessment and Review:

After submitting your application, the police will conduct an initial risk assessment to determine if there’s an immediate danger.​

The application is then reviewed by a Multi-Sector Review Committee (MSRC), comprising representatives from community organizations, victim services, and law enforcement with expertise in intimate partner violence. This committee evaluates the information and makes recommendations regarding disclosure. ​

  1. Disclosure:

If the review determines that there’s relevant information to disclose, a face-to-face meeting will be arranged.​

During this meeting, the police, often accompanied by a victim services worker or domestic violence advocate, will verbally share the information.​

Recipients of the disclosure must sign a confidentiality agreement, committing to use the information solely for safety planning and not to share it publicly. ​

Important Considerations:

Purpose: Clare’s Law is proactive, aiming to inform individuals about potential risks before violence occurs. It’s not intended for reporting current incidents of abuse. If you’re experiencing abuse, please contact the police directly or seek support from local domestic violence services.​

Confidentiality: The information disclosed is meant to enhance safety and is not to be shared beyond your immediate support network.​

Support Services: Alongside the disclosure, individuals are connected to support services to assist with safety planning and provide ongoing support.​

For more detailed information and resources, you can visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s Clare’s Law page.​

Remember, if you’re in immediate danger, always call 911.

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