GROUNDBREAKING domestic violence legislation that allows people to check their partner's past has seen seven applications for disclosure in Bolton since March.

Of those seven people who took advantage of the Clare's Law scheme in the borough, six of those lead to the disclosure of their partner's background.

Domestic abuse campaigner Eve Thomas has praised the law as a positive tool for potential victims, but warns it relies on people reporting crimes in the first place.

GMP crime commissioner Tony Lloyd revealed the statistics to The Bolton News and hopes to encourage not only potential victims to apply for the check but also their concerned friends and family.

He also added that the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme — dubbed Clare's Law after Clare Wood who was murdered by her former partner in 2009 — is not just for women to use.

He said: "Since March this year the use of Clare's Law has been quite small in Bolton with seven applications in total processed – and six of them have lead to disclosure about the person's background to their significant other.

"I want to send a message out to people in Bolton that Clare's Law is there to help and it's giving them a right to ask.

"It doesn't just have to be the partner who asks — close friends and family can ask on behalf of a person they think might be at risk. Then if we do find anything and we need to disclose information, would only go to the person in that relationship who could be at risk from their partner.

"The law isn't just for women either – it's for men as well. People are in same sex relationships so it isn't always the case that men are perpetrators to women. Likewise women can be violent to men. Clare's Law is open to everyone."

According to figures the run up to Christmas usually means that the number of domestic violence cases rise.

Mr Lloyd said: "It is normally drink related to an extent, or alcohol plays a significant part in domestic violence. An outward manifestation such as 'you're not wearing that' could mean that what goes on behind closed is more extreme. The law allows people to make sure for peace of mind.

"The law is saving lives. In the case of Clare she tragically died — perhaps if she did know about her partner then it would be a different story.

"Some applications will turn out to be non problematic, but it's better to be safe than sorry."

In September it was revealed that 270 people in total have contacted GMP for a background check.

Ms Thomas, from Astley Bridge, said: "Clare's Law is a brilliant safeguarding tool but it relies on people reporting incidents of domestic violence to the police. I didn't report anything for 21 years with my ex-husband.

"Unfortunately the sheer dynamics of domestic violence means that many of the crimes go unreported. My advice to people is to find the courage to tell the police about any incidents of abuse to strengthen Clare's Law for the future."