Every father has the right to protect their children. Whether you're navigating custody arrangements, dealing with your ex-partner's new relationships, or simply want to ensure your child's safety, understanding Clare's Law and Sarah's Law could be game-changing tools in your parental toolkit.
These two UK disclosure schemes exist to empower parents: including you: with vital safety information. But here's the thing: most fathers don't know how to use them effectively. Today, we're changing that.
What is Clare's Law? Your Shield Against Domestic Violence
Clare's Law, officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), launched in 2014. Named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend despite his history of violence against women, this law gives you the power to ask police about someone's domestic abuse history.
Here's what Clare's Law means for fathers:
- You can check if your ex-partner's new boyfriend has a history of domestic violence
- You can request information about anyone who might be around your children regularly
- Family members can make requests on your behalf if they're concerned about your safety
- The police must consider disclosing relevant information if it protects you or your children
Real-World Clare's Law Scenarios for Fathers
Scenario 1: Your ex-partner introduces a new boyfriend who will be staying overnight when your children visit her home. Something feels off about this guy, but you can't put your finger on it. Under Clare's Law, you have the right to ask police if this person has a history of domestic violence.
Scenario 2: Your sister notices bruises on your arm after you've started dating someone new. She can use Clare's Law to request information about your new partner's history, even if you're reluctant to ask yourself.
Scenario 3: You're concerned about your ex-partner's safety because her new relationship seems volatile, and this affects your children's wellbeing during their visits. Clare's Law allows you to request information that could protect both your ex and your kids.
What is Sarah's Law? Your Child Protection Tool
Sarah's Law, the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, became available in 2011. Created after 8-year-old Sarah Payne was murdered by a known sex offender, this scheme allows parents to check if someone with access to their child has a record of sexual offences.
For fathers, Sarah's Law provides:
- The right to check anyone who has regular contact with your child
- Information about sexual offence histories
- Peace of mind when your children are in new environments
- A proactive way to protect your kids from potential predators
Sarah's Law in Action: Protecting Your Children
Scenario 1: Your ex-partner moves in with a new boyfriend who seems overly interested in your 10-year-old daughter. You notice he offers to babysit frequently and buys her expensive gifts. Sarah's Law gives you the right to request a police check on this individual.
Scenario 2: Your child starts attending after-school club, and you want to ensure the volunteers and staff are safe. You can use Sarah's Law to request information about anyone who has regular unsupervised access to your child.
Scenario 3: A family friend offers to take your children on weekend trips. While you want to trust them, Sarah's Law allows you to verify their suitability around children without damaging relationships through direct confrontation.
The Key Differences Every Father Should Know
| Clare's Law | Sarah's Law |
|---|---|
| Purpose: Protects against domestic violence | Purpose: Protects children from sexual offenders |
| Who can ask: Anyone in a relationship or their family/friends | Who can ask: Parents, guardians, carers of under-18s |
| Information disclosed: Domestic violence and abuse history | Information disclosed: Sexual offences against children |
| Introduced: 2014 | Introduced: 2011 |
Understanding the Request Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Making a Clare's Law Request:
- Contact your local police force in person, by phone, or online
- Provide the subject's full name, date of birth, and address (if known)
- Explain your relationship to the person and why you need the information
- Police will conduct background checks within 35 days
- If relevant information exists, you'll be contacted for a face-to-face meeting
Making a Sarah's Law Request:
- Visit your local police station or contact them via their non-emergency number
- Complete an application form with details about the person you're concerned about
- Provide information about your child and why you're making the request
- Police assess the application and conduct necessary checks
- If there's relevant information, you'll receive a confidential disclosure meeting
The Statistics That Matter: Real Impact for Real Families
In 2020, there were 11,556 Clare's Law applications in England and Wales. Of these, 37% resulted in disclosures: meaning over 4,200 people received potentially life-saving information about their partners.
Sarah's Law protected over 200 children in its first year alone. These aren't just numbers: they represent children who avoided potential harm because their parents took action.
Your Rights as a Father: What You Need to Remember
You have the absolute right to:
- Request information about anyone who has regular contact with your children
- Protect your family from potential domestic violence
- Ask questions without judgment or bureaucratic barriers
- Receive timely responses from police (typically within 35 days)
- Confidential handling of your request and any disclosed information
Remember: Police won't automatically tell the person you're asking about. These schemes are designed to protect you and your children, not to create drama or conflict.
Common Myths Debunked
Myth 1: "Only women can use Clare's Law"
Truth: Anyone can make a Clare's Law request, including fathers concerned about their own safety or their children's wellbeing.
Myth 2: "You need proof of wrongdoing to make a request"
Truth: You only need reasonable concerns. The police investigate and decide whether to disclose information.
Myth 3: "Making a request will definitely cause problems with your ex-partner"
Truth: Requests are handled confidentially, and disclosure meetings are private.
When to Act: Trust Your Instincts
As a father, your protective instincts are valid. If something feels wrong about someone around your children, don't ignore it. Both Clare's Law and Sarah's Law exist because someone, somewhere, wished they had acted on their concerns sooner.
Trust your gut if you notice:
- Someone showing excessive interest in your child
- Signs of domestic violence in your ex-partner's new relationship
- Aggressive behavior from new partners in your children's lives
- Your child becoming withdrawn or fearful after spending time with certain adults
- Anyone attempting to isolate you or your children from family support
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Ready to protect your family? Here's what you can do right now:
- Save the non-emergency police number (101) in your phone
- Document your concerns with dates, times, and specific incidents
- Research your local police force's website for specific Clare's Law and Sarah's Law procedures
- Talk to other fathers in your support network about their experiences
- Don't wait: if you have genuine concerns, make the request
Join Our Movement: Empowering Fathers, Protecting Families
At Fathers Rights, we believe every father deserves the tools and knowledge to protect their children effectively. Clare's Law and Sarah's Law aren't just legal schemes: they're weapons in your arsenal as a protective parent.
Fathers United. Rights Respected. We're here to ensure you understand every option available to safeguard your family's future.
Understanding these laws is just the beginning. Join our community of fathers who refuse to be sidelined in their children's safety. Share your experiences, learn from others, and help us build a network of informed, empowered dads across the UK.
Every Dad Matters. Your voice, your concerns, and your protective instincts are valid. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
Ready to learn more about protecting your parental rights? Visit Fathers Rights for comprehensive resources, legal guidance, and a community that understands your challenges.
Your children's safety starts with your knowledge. Take action today.