The proportion of people being told about a partner’s criminal past has fallen – although ever more people are asking police for information about their boyfriend or girlfriend.

Wiltshire Police said it had received 444 applications under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, better known as Clare’s Law, last year.

The law, named after Clare Wood, who was strangled by partner George Appleton who had a history of domestic abuse, allows a person, a concerned family-member or friend to ask police to check if a partner has a history of abusive or controlling behaviour.

In 2018, Wiltshire Police received 306 applications under the law and made 156 disclosures to worried partners or family.

Last year, 444 applications were made – and 205 disclosures made by officers. So for this year, police have received 348 applications and made 159 disclosures.

While the number of applications have increased, the proportion of successful requests has fallen. Just over half of applications under Clare’s Law were successful in 2018 compared to 45.6 per cent so far this year.

Det Supt Ben Mant suggested the fall could be the result of more people making a request under the law. He stressed the force was committed to supporting victims of domestic abuse and going after the perpetrators.

“It is important that victims know what is and isn’t acceptable and that they have somewhere to turn to when they think their partner may be acting in a way that causes concern,” he said.

“Clare’s Law is ultimately about protecting those most susceptible to domestic abuse – whether it is happening now or in the future. We continue to work hard to encourage people to use the scheme, and this is evidenced in our most recent figures where we are seeing a rise in applications.

“As well as the domestic violence disclosure scheme, we have specialist teams to work with victims of domestic abuse who understand the complex nature of this type of behaviour and can work closely with partner agencies to ensure the appropriate advice is provided.”

He said officers worked with the independent domestic violence advisers to support anyone wanting to end a relationship once their partner's record had been disclosed.

Wiltshire Police has this week launched a new campaign to highlight the help available to those suffering from abuse.

Police and crime commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “The coronavirus pandemic and recent lockdown would have been very difficult for some people who may have found themselves in a harmful situation. As the measures are reduced in part and more facilities are open, we may again see people taking advantage of social situations to harm others.

“I fund and commission a number of victim support services, including specialist ones for victims of domestic abuse. Not only are these services there to support victims in the lead up to and during court cases but they’re also able to offer support for those who may not want to report what has happened to the police.

“My message to anyone suffering abuse from a so called loved one is report it - you are not alone.”

For support, call SWA Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service on 01793 610610 or visit swadomesticabuse.org.