Hertfordshire police contact nearly 2,000 on partners' abuse histories

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 12:32 · Archive

Hertfordshire Constabulary contacted 1,973 people this year to alert them to partners' abuse or violence records under Clare's Law.

Hertfordshire Constabulary contacted 1,973 people this year under Clare's Law, which allows police to disclose a partner's or ex-partner's abuse or violence history to those believed to be at risk. Of these approaches, 324 resulted in individuals accepting the information offered. A further 992 people were informed that the police held information about their partner but chose not to receive it.

The force also received 950 requests from members of the public asking about a partner's history under the 'right to ask' provision of Clare's Law, of which 369 resulted in specific details being provided.

Chief Constable Andy Prophet told the police and crime commissioner that even when individuals refused the information, it represented a positive outcome, as they remained aware that the force possessed such data and could access it if needed. He said the force had become 'incredibly proactive' in using the legislation, crediting increased use of technology to identify those at risk and help victims safeguard themselves.

How it is being reported

• Hertfordshire police contacted 1,973 people about partners’ abuse histories this yearHertfordshire Constabulary contacted 1,973 people under Clare’s Law in 2026, offering partners’ abuse histories to help prevent violence and serious harm.The Comet · 15 Oct, 12:04
• Hertfordshire police contacted 1,973 people about partners’ abuse histories this yearHertfordshire Constabulary contacted 1,973 people under Clare’s Law in 2026, offering partners’ abuse histories to help prevent violence and serious harm.Herts Advertiser · 15 Oct, 12:04
• Hertfordshire Constabulary boss says new Clare's Law data shows force is 'proactive'Police in Hertfordshire have contacted almost 2,000 people this year to offer information about a partner’s history of abuse or violence – but only half have opted to take it.Hemel Gazette · 14 Oct, 10:28

In this story: Hertfordshire Constabulary · Andy Prophet · Jonathan Ash-Edwards · Hertfordshire

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