What is Clare’s Law as Emmerdale’s Belle takes action against abuser Tom?
Belle Dingle has been physically and mentally abused by her husband Tom Belle for months on Emmerdale and he continues to control her life, despite them being split up
Belle Dingle has finally taken action against her husband Tom King on Emmerdale.
The young Dales resident has been targeted by evil husband Tom, who has used gaslighting and manipulation to control her, even turning to heartbreaking physical and emotional abuse. The harrowing storyline has seen Tom (James Chase) try to alienate Belle (Eden Taylor Draper) from her family, and he even took her away to a remote cottage in Wales.
However, it all ended in disaster when she ran away and back to the village when he tried to control her even more. He has now turned on their pet dog Piper to try and exert even more control over her.
Tom has been controlling his wife Belle
Belle realises she needs help and turns to the police to try and get some support. On tonight’s episode, she mentions Clare’s Law – which is a real life law that can help those suffering domestic abuse.
What is Clare’s Law?
Clare’s Law is also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, and has been named after Clare Wood, who was tragically murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009. Clare’s father Michael led the call for a change and it was formally rolled out in England and Wales in 2014 and it allows a person a right to known if their current or ex-partner has any previous history of violence or abuse.
Under Clare’s Law, people have the right to apply to the police to request information about a current or ex-partner if you are worried they might pose a risk to you in the future or if they have been abusive in the past. You can also request information on the partner of a close friend, neighbour or family member if you’re concerned they might be at risk of domestic abuse in the future.
There is a right to ask and a right to know. Clare’s Law was created to allow people to formally find out. Since it was initially campaigned for, versions of Clare’s Law now also exist in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Both Canada and Australia also trialled similar schemes to prevent domestic abuse using the ‘right to ask’ and ‘right to know’ framework.