MORE than 200 people have potentially been saved from domestic abuse in Greater Manchester in the last year thanks to a scheme that allows people to get information about a person they are in a relationship with.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare's Law, has been running since September 2012 and was rolled out across the country on March 8 2014.

It gives people who suspect their partners of having a violent past, their families, friends and the authorities the opportunity to apply for information about the person they are are in a relationship with, known as "right to ask" and "right to know" applications.

Between January 2017 and January 2018 554 applications were made under the scheme in Greater Manchester and following this 227 disclosures were made.

Detective Superintendent Denise Worth from Greater Manchester Police said: “This simple yet important application puts control in your hands and allows you to think about your decisions and make a choice suitable for you.

“We know more needs to be done to ensure that victims, their friends and family are aware of the steps to take in order to protect themselves from the potentially devastating consequences that come as a result of domestic abuse.

“By providing victims with the power to regain control of their lives we only hope that more can then go on to have a safe and happy future.”

Anyone can request a Clare's Law application and people are urged to trust their instincts and spot the signs such as controlling behaviour, the use of violence, public humiliation and objections to meeting family and friends.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Bev Hughes, said: “Clare’s Law is an empowering tool that is giving the public the confidence to ask questions about their own or a loved one’s relationship. That it has saved 227 people from a potential lifetime of abuse in the last 12 months alone is a lasting legacy for Clare Wood, and sends a strong message that Greater Manchester takes a zero tolerance approach to domestic abuse.

“Work is ongoing across Greater Manchester to raise awareness of this scheme and the help and support which is available to people when they need it. This positive work should encourage more people to speak out against abuse and bring hope to victims and survivors that we are sitting right with you.”

Clare's Law was introduced after Clare Wood was set on fire by a violent and obsessive ex-boyfriend who she had made several complaints about to police.

For more information or to make a request under the scheme go to www.gmp.police.uk/clareslaw and people can also visit their nearest police station to make an application under Clare's Law.

In an emergency call 999.