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Hazel Blears receives support for Clare’s Law




Posted by Editor on 3rd February 2012 at 10:33 AM
Hazel Blears receives support for Clare’s Law
Hazel Blears MP for Salford and Eccles this week received support from the Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke, in her campaign to introduce Clare’s Law.


The Respect & Protect: Clare's Law campaign calls for a change in the law to protect those at risk of domestic violence. In 2009 Clare Wood was brutally murdered by her former partner following months of harassment, sexual assault and threats to kill her. Clare met the man through Facebook and had no idea of his previous record of domestic violence against a number of former partners. The police knew but were unable to tell her.

This week at Justice Questions in Parliament Hazel asked the Justice Secretary:

Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): The Secretary of State may be aware of the tragic case of my constituent, Clare Wood, who was murdered by a violent partner. It turned out that he had a huge history of domestic violence against other women. Will the Secretary of State support amendments to the Bill in the other place [House of Lords] to ensure that victims like Clare can in future know about the history of their violent partners and make an informed decision on whether to continue in the relationship?

Mr Clarke: That is a familiar subject, which I believe is being reviewed by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. The right of women to know whether their partner or intended husband has a long history of domestic violence sounds like a worthwhile cause. I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend will be looking to the practical issues that would be involved in introducing an effective system.

Hazel said:

“I am very pleased that both the Home Secretary and the Justice Secretary have indicated that they are sympathetic to the proposal for Clare’s Law. This will be so important to many women and, of course, men who suffer domestic abuse and need this change in the law.

“I will continue to pursue this important change through Parliament as well as working with support groups and those who have suffered abuse at the hands of their partners.”



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