Local Woman Calls for Campaign to Publicise Clare's Law
Says new legislation not effective if people are unaware of it
Clare Wood (right) was murdered by the man picture left unaware he had a known history of violence. Picture: Manchester Police
September 14, 2026
A Hammersmith & Fulham resident has launched a petition to parliament calling for a government-funded awareness campaign on Clare’s Law, saying that gaps in public knowledge about the scheme are leaving people at risk and allowing dangerous situations to escalate before help is sought.
Ellie Budden-McCarthy has spoken publicly for the first time about her experience following the successful conclusion of a recent criminal case in which she was the victim. Now able to speak more openly, she says her motivation is not only what happened to her, but September 14, 2026rsquo;s Law offers.
Ellie has post on social media explaining why she believes urgent national action is needed. Her petition, which closes on 4 March 2027, calls on the Government to fund a nationwide awareness campaign, working with police forces and public services to ensure people know they can request a disclosure if they are considering entering a relationship.
“I became aware of Clare’s Law only after circumstances had escalated to the point that police involvement was necessary,” she writes. “Had I known that the scheme existed and how accessible it was, I would have sought a disclosure much sooner.”
Clare’s Law, officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), allows people to ask police whether a current or prospective partner has a history of violence. It also gives police the ability to proactively disclose information if they believe someone is at risk. The law is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered in 2009 by a partner with a known history of violence.
Ellie says the lack of visibility around the scheme means many people do not know what to search for, what their rights are, or how to access information that could protect them. “There are serious gaps in awareness and the use of Clare’s Law,” she says. “People need to know what information and protection may be available to them before a situation escalates. Without meaningful change, people will continue to fall through the gaps.”
Her petition argues that a national campaign could help prevent harm by ensuring people understand their right to ask, and by encouraging police forces and public services to promote the scheme more consistently.
“This petition isn’t just about what happened to me,” Ellie writes. “It’s about what can happen to the next person and how we can prevent it. Every signature helps demonstrate that this is an issue the Government cannot ignore. Let’s get this to 10,000 signatures to make the Government listen — but more importantly, let’s push for change that could help protect someone else.”
The petition can be found here.
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