Clare's Law: Domestic violence disclosures have surged by 250% in Bedfordshire
Clare’s Law disclosures in Bedfordshire have risen by 250 per cent over the past two years, the county’s Police and Crime Panel heard.
A report presented to the panel (Tuesday, December 2) said Clare’s Law requests “surged” in mid-2025, with June recording 245 requests.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as “Clare’s Law”, enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner’s or ex-partner’s previous abusive or violent offending.
Police can also issue warnings proactively if they believe someone is at risk.
The report said recorded crime levels for violence against women and girls have begun to reduce, but added that Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO) had increased from 32 in 2024 to 70 by August 2025.
The panel heard that there had been a “significant increase” in reporting of indecent exposure offences over the past year, addressing previous concerns of underreporting.
A social media campaign was launched in August 2025 to encourage victims to come forward, supported by plans for further guidance and training for staff.
While heightened police presence in Luton town centre was considered, targeted operations were instead deployed in specific localities such as Priory Marina, in Bedford, resulting in arrests and ongoing patrols.
The report added that the majority of crimes relating to violence against women and children occur in Central Bedfordshire and Luton.
The average number of recorded crimes relating to violence against women and girls has increased by around 65 per cent since 2023, indicating that “victims’ confidence to report crime of this type is improving”.
Solved rates for crimes of violence against women and children across all UK police forces remain low because these offences are often “complex and difficult to evidence”.
“Many crimes”, such as domestic abuse, stalking, rape and sexual assault, take place in private settings, leaving limited forensic or corroborative evidence.
Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.
Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.
If you are not in immediate danger but need police advice or to report a concern, you can call 101 or use the online reporting service on the Bedfordshire Police website.
Support for anyone affected by domestic abuse is available through local and national organisations.
If you need confidential help or guidance, you can contact:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247
- Women’s Aid Live Chat (daily): www.womensaid.org.uk
- Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
- Galop (LGBTQ+ support): 0800 999 5428
If you are worried about a partner or ex-partner’s behaviour, you can make a Clare’s Law request through the police to ask whether they have a history of violence or abuse.