Domestic abuse can be any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour or violence. It's experienced by those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:

• coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
• psychological or emotional abuse
• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• financial abuse
• harassment
• stalking
• online or digital abuse

About Clare's Law

Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is a police policy giving people the right to know if their current or ex-partner has any previous history of violence or abuse.

Under Clare’s Law, you have the "right to ask", which means you have the right to:

• apply to the police for information about your current or ex-partner if you are worried they have been abusive in the past and may be a risk to you in the future
• request information from the police about the current or ex-partner of a close friend, neighbour or family member, because you are concerned that they might be at risk of domestic abuse in future

You have a right to ask the police no matter if your enquiry relates to a heterosexual or same-sex relationship, as long as you are aged 16 or older. You also have the right to ask about a partner regardless of your (or your neighbour, friend or family member’s) gender identity, ethnicity, race, religion or other characteristics.

You also have the "right to know". This means that if police checks reveal that a current or ex-partner has a record of violent or abusive behaviour and the police believe you may be at risk, they may share this information with you proactively.

You can request information under Clare's Law from Dorset Police.

Where to get help

You can find resources on our Safer BCP website, as well as the support options below.