A SURVIVOR of domestic abuse is calling for a terminology change to make the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme more accessible to both men and women.
Following the revelation that only 28 men have approached police under the legislation– also known as “Claire’s Law” – domestic abuse survivor, Ian McNicholl is asking for the the process to be referred to as “The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme” to ensure that both men and women are equally aware of how it applies to them.
The process, intended to provide information that could protect someone from being a victim of attack, allows people – of both genders – to make enquiries to find out if their partner may have been abusive in the past. If police checks show that their partner has a record of abusive behavior, or there is other information to indicate that someone is at risk from their partner, they will consider sharing this information.
With all the available information, people may then make a more informed decision as to whether to stay with them or not.
Ian, honorary patron of the ManKind Initiative, said: “Had this legislation been available to me, why would I have taken advantage of Clare’s Law? The title is not gender inclusive and it is now evident that the terminology is creating barriers.
“This life changing legislation is available to both men and women right across West Mercia and men must be encouraged to come forward and seek help from the police.”
The Home Office reports that only 10 per cent of male victims will tell the police about domestic abuse compared to 27 per cent of women and it is hoped that the change in terminology will encourage more friends, family and work colleagues to make requests on behalf of men at risk.
Mark Brooks, chairman of the ManKind Initiative, said: “It is clear the domestic violence disclosure scheme is not being used enough and taken advantage of by men. “We believe it is because not enough men think this legislation also applies to them. and in future we hope to encourage both more men and more women to use it.”
