The event, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Fund, brought together representatives from the police, NHS, and local community organisations to highlight the importance of Clare’s Law.

Speakers included representatives from Humraaz, Lancashire Police’s Vulnerability Governance Unit, and Blackburn Community Trust, who shared insights on how the scheme can help protect individuals from domestic abuse and championed work done locally to empower women, such as Blackburn Community Trust’s ‘What About Us’ initiative.

Clare’s Law gives people the right to ask about a partner’s history of domestic abuse. Currently, fewer than 10% of disclosures come from ethnic minority communities. The event aimed to empower community leaders to raise awareness of the scheme and ensure more people know how to access this vital protection.

Anyone can request a Clare’s Law disclosure, whether they are concerned about their own partner or want to check on the partner of a close friend or family member. The information will only be disclosed to the person who is potentially at risk and an individual will not know if someone has requested information about them.

Lancashire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Kimberley Whitehead, said:

“Clare’s Law is a really useful tool to allow people to make informed decisions about their own situations, and events such as today’s are key in raising awareness in how it can be used effectively with potentially life saving outcomes for both men and women.

“Preventing violence against women and girls is a top priority in Commissioner Clive Grunshaw’s Police and Crime Plan, and police cannot combat this issue alone.

“Together with partners, we will continue work to combat VAWG and ensure we work to protect vulnerable residents across Lancashire.”

Event organiser, Police Community Support Officer Halima Sidat from the Blackburn Neighbourhood Team, said:

“Clare’s Law is a vital safeguarding tool that empowers individuals to make informed choices about their relationships. By raising awareness within all communities, we can help prevent harm and protect those at risk of domestic abuse. We are committed to working with partners and community leaders to ensure everyone knows how to access this life-saving scheme.”

Shen Milla, Development Manager from Humraaz, added:

“Raising awareness of the disclosure scheme, Clare’s Law within the wider BME community especially women and girls would enhance a level of protective measure. It would inform women and girls getting into relationships and marriages that may pose a threat or be dangerous for them and their families. Humraaz aim to advocate for this scheme and support the process with cultural sensitivity for BME women who pursue it.”