Clare's Law
The Right to Ask. The Right to Know.
Protecting people. Preventing violence. Empowering informed decisions.
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their relationships. Knowing whether a current or former partner has a history of domestic violence could help someone recognise potential risks and make informed decisions about their safety.
Leanne Castley MLA supports the campaign to introduce a domestic and family violence disclosure scheme in the Australian Capital Territory.
Support the ACT campaignWhat is Clare's Law?
Clare's Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, originated in England and Wales.
It is named in memory of Clare Wood, who was murdered by her former partner in 2009.
The scheme provides two important pathways:
The Right to Ask
People concerned about a current or former partner can request that police consider disclosing relevant information about that person's history of domestic abuse.
The Right to Know
Police may proactively disclose relevant information when they identify a risk of domestic abuse.
Disclosure is subject to safeguards and assessments of necessity, proportionality and safety. The scheme does not provide unrestricted access to another person's criminal history.
Why Clare's Law matters
Domestic and family violence can involve physical violence, coercive control, intimidation, stalking, emotional abuse and financial abuse.
A disclosure scheme could help people:
- Identify potential warning signs of abuse.
- Make more informed decisions about their relationships.
- Access appropriate safety planning and support.
- Better understand potential risks to themselves and their families.
A disclosure scheme is not a complete solution to domestic violence. It should complement prevention, education, victim-survivor services and broader legal protections.
Bringing Clare's Law to the ACT
A campaign is underway calling for the ACT to establish a domestic and family violence disclosure scheme.
The petition proposes a framework through which people could request relevant information about a current or former partner's history of domestic violence, subject to appropriate safeguards.
Leanne Castley MLA supports the petition and the discussion about stronger preventative protections for people experiencing domestic and family violence.
The campaign seeks to make relevant safety information more accessible while protecting privacy and ensuring appropriate oversight.
As of October 2026, this is a proposal for reform in the ACT, not an existing ACT disclosure scheme.
Support the campaign
Community support can help bring attention to the proposal and encourage consideration of meaningful reform.
Learn more about Clare's Law and the campaign to introduce a disclosure scheme in the ACT.
An official ACT petition link can be added here once confirmed.
Need help or support?
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, confidential support is available.
Emergency: Call 000 if you are in immediate danger.
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 — 24-hour national domestic, family and sexual violence support.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT: (02) 6280 0900 — 24-hour crisis support, safety planning and referrals.
You do not need to wait for a disclosure scheme to seek help or report concerns about your safety.