Figures released at a Thursday performance and accountability meeting by Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne revealed details about the domestic violence disclosure scheme, known colloquially as Clare’s Law. The statistics were disclosed following a November publicity initiative featuring bus stop advertisements styled similarly to Love Hearts confectionery.
When Mrs Bourne inquired whether the increase in applications could be considered encouraging, the deputy chief constable indicated that such a significant rise pointed to the campaign successfully connecting with the public. He observed that this showed the campaign and work alongside partner organisations had proved effective in publicising the scheme. He added that some applicants decided to step back from the process while others were found not suitable to receive the information.
He outlined how the scheme offers a structured method for addressing potential danger and enabling those concerned to make well-informed choices regarding their circumstances, with the optimal outcome being that nobody involved suffers harm.
Clare’s Law bears its name in memory of Clare Wood, a 36-year-old woman who died at the hands of her ex-partner George Appleton, who had prior criminal convictions for violent offences. Wood was cognisant that Appleton had encountered legal problems but remained unaware of the full scale of his criminal record. The couple’s relationship spanned several months before concluding due to Appleton’s controlling and aggressive conduct. Appleton took Wood’s life in February 2009, four months subsequent to her ending the relationship.
Statistical data showed that during the 2025-26 period extending to the end of September, approximately 2,500 applications were received, comprising roughly 1,900 right-to-ask cases and around 600 right-to-know instances. The preceding year recorded 2,316 applications, including 1,700 right-to-ask and 600 right-to-know requests. The 2023-24 period saw 1,025 applications split between 680 right-to-ask and 340 right-to-know submissions.