Nearly double the number of islanders have used Clare's Law to ask about a partner's violent past this year, compared to 2023.

Clare's Law, named after Clare Wood who died in 2009 at the hands of her ex-partner who had a history of abuse, allows police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner's previous violent behaviour. 

Last year, 24 islanders came forward and used their right to ask questions about their partner's history. 

So far this year, 39 Clare's Law disclosures have been made (as of 31 October). 

One Jersey survivor of sexual violence, Suzie Mahe, has spoken out following the conviction of her abuser Gavin Roberts, who last week was sentenced to 15 years in prison for rape and assault. 

READ MORE: Gavin Roberts jailed for fifteen years for rape and assault

Suzie Mahe

Suzie utilised Clare's Law and is encouraging other islanders that they can also come forward and be heard.

She bravely spoke to Channel 103 following her abuser being put behind bars: 

Gavin Roberts has been jailed for 15 years after raping and seriously assaulting a woman as well as attacking another.

Suzy Mahe survived the abuse that Gavin inflicted on her.

Following his sentence, Suzy has waived her right to anonymity and bravely addressed the camera: pic.twitter.com/LcZjOdBtrG

— Channel 103 (@Channel103) November 8, 2024

The States of Jersey Police are launching a new awareness campaign surrounding Clare's Law encouraging people to come forward to prevent domestic abuse, which accounts for 15% of all crime in Jersey.

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Jackson says disclosures give islanders information they have a right to know:

"Upon receiving an application, we will assess whether it is proportionate and necessary to make the disclosure.

"We will then tell the individual about the risks that are posed about a partner or a previous partner who might be violent or abusive towards them.

"They will be given the information, then they can make a risk-based decision about the relationship, whether to continue it or whether to break that relationship.

"Undoubtedly these disclosures do save lives, and we've got evidence with recent cases where this has saved somebody's life and broken the cycle of domestic abuse."

Clare's Law posters in English and Portuguese

You can make a disclosure application under Clare's Law if you:

• Think you might be at risk of domestic abuse from a current or ex-partner
• Are worried about someone you know and think they may be at risk of domestic abuse
• Are a professional and you have information that suggests an individual might be at risk of domestic abuse

You can find more information about how to make a disclosure request on the States of Jersey Police website.