MORE than 500 potential victims have requested information about a partner's suspected violent past since Clare’s Law was launched in the region a year ago.

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made to four police forces revealed 547 applications have been made under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

The initiative, which allows police to disclose information about a potentially abusive partner before the relationship ends in tragedy, was extended across forces in England and Wales last Spring following the death of Clare Wood.

The 36-year-old was strangled and set on fire at her home in Salford, Greater Manchester, in February 2009 by former boyfriend, George Appleton, who had a record of violence against women.

Middlesbrough-based domestic violence charity, My Sister’s Place, said it was encouraged so many applications have been made, but the scheme did have limitations.

“My Sister's Place works to provide services to women, to enable them to seek protection and prevent domestic abuse, therefore we welcomed the introduction of Clare's Law as a means of ensuring that where there are concerns potential victims of abuse can make informed decisions,” said service development manager, Michelle O’Rourke.

“It is encouraging to hear that so many applications have been made in its first year, early intervention is important in ensuring long term safety and whilst we may not see the long term impacts as quickly the number of applications is a demonstration of the need.

“The scheme has taken a multi-agency approach to ensuring victims are able to make an informed decision with the appropriate support, however as with any intervention, schemes such as this have their limitations and it is important to ensure that communities recognise the signs of abuse and do not rely solely on a lack of disclosure in seeking help.”

She added: “We would urge anyone who has concerns to seek help and support from appropriate services.”

FOI requests showed that Northumbria Police has received 297 applications, Cleveland 42, North Yorkshire 80 and Durham Constabulary 128.

Ron Hogg, Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner, said recently, “I can’t stress enough that domestic violence is everyone’s business. There were 14,500 domestic abuse calls to us last year which is about 40 calls each day".

He added: "We will continue our journey to work hard together to eradicate domestic abuse and encourage victims to come forward, not suffer in silence."