The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) gives people the right to ask about the background of their partner. It also allows concerned relatives and friends, the right to ask about someone’s partner. They can ask if they have been abusive in the past.

DSDAS also gives Police Scotland the power to tell people that they may be at risk. This information can be given if it is not asked for.

Where Police Scotland information that a person may be at harm of domestic abuse by their partner, they have the power to tell the person at risk.

England and Wales also has a version of the scheme, which is also known as Clare’s Law.

Victim Support Scotland as part of their engagement work with people with lived experience of domestic abuse, has heard that individuals are sometimes not aware of their right to ask for information. One individual told us that: ‘Most people aren’t aware there is a register, it needs to be publicly advertised so people can access it.’

Most people aren’t aware there is a register, it needs to be publicly advertised so people can access it.

Person supported by VSS

Applications to DSDAS can be made online at the Police Scotland website, by going into a local police station, calling the non-emergency Police number on 101, or approaching an officer on the street.

More information can be found on the Police Scotland website.