MORE than 170 people have asked police to find out whether their partner has a history of domestic violence under a scheme to protect victims.

Over the last six months, Northumbria Police said it has received 176 applications under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – better known as Clare’s Law – to find out whether a partner has a violent past.

The force says it has gone on to reveal details in 26 cases – roughly one in seven applications – after police assess whether disclosure is “lawful, proportionate and necessary”.

The scheme is named after Clare Wood, from Manchester, who was murdered by her former partner in 2009.

Miss Wood had repeatedly contacted police to tell them George Appleton, who had a history of violence against women.

The scheme is intended to protect people from a potential abusive situation and to stop a similar tragedy from taking place.

Detective Superintendent Lisa Orchard said: "I hope the 26 disclosures we've made so far have helped people get away from a potentially abusive relationship which may in turn have saved their lives.

"Domestic violence and abuse is a key priority for the force and we will continue to work closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner and our partners to provide advice and help support victims."

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird added: "We know that domestic violence is often a serial crime and someone can be violent with each partner.

"Clare's Law helps anyone with concerns about new partners to ask the police if they have any information about their partner's past so people can be helped to leave a violent and abusive relationship.

"Domestic Violence can be a hidden crime and it's a personal priority of mine to help stop it, so to hear 26 disclosures have been made since Clare's Law was introduced is reassuring that people are beginning to access this much needed help and guidance”.