Emmerdale: Clare’s Law Bombshell! Belle Dingle Drops Shocking Accusations Against Tom King – Is His Dark Past Finally Exposed?
Emmerdale viewers saw Belle Dingle take a stand against her abusive husband Tom King on Tuesday's episode of the ITV soap, as she used Clare's Law - which is real-life legislation
Belle Dingle has finally taken a stand against her abusive husband Tom King on Emmerdale.
The young resident of the Dales has been subjected to the cruel tactics of her wicked husband Tom, who has employed gaslighting and manipulation to dominate her, even resorting to devastating physical and emotional abuse.
The distressing plot has seen Tom (played by James Chase) attempt to isolate Belle (portrayed by Eden Taylor Draper) from her family, even whisking her away to a secluded cottage in Wales.
However, things took a turn for the worse when she escaped his clutches and returned to the village as he sought to tighten his control over her. He has now targeted their pet dog Piper in an effort to further manipulate her.
Recognising that she needs assistance, Belle turns to the police for support. In tonight’s episode, she refers to Clare’s Law – a real-life legislation designed to aid victims of domestic abuse. What is Clare’s Law?, reports the Mirror.
Also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, Clare’s Law was named in honour of Clare Wood, who was tragically killed by her violent ex-boyfriend in 2009.
Clare’s father Michael spearheaded the campaign for change, leading to the law being officially implemented in England and Wales in 2014.
It grants individuals the right to know if their current or former partner has a history of violence or abuse.
Under Clare’s Law, individuals have the right to approach the police to request information about a current or former partner if they fear they may pose a future risk or if they have a history of abuse.
This law also allows you to request information about the partner of a close friend, neighbour, or family member if you’re worried they might be at risk of domestic abuse in the future.
The law provides both a ‘right to ask’ and a ‘right to know’. Clare’s Law was established to enable people to formally find out such information.
Since its initial campaign, versions of Clare’s Law have been implemented in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Both Canada and Australia have also tested similar schemes to prevent domestic abuse using the ‘right to ask’ and ‘right to know’ framework.
Belle Dingle’s abuse storyline continues in Emmerdale at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX