Under a government scheme, individuals can apply for information about their current or ex-partner, to find out if they have a violent or abusive past. The “Right to Ask” scheme can show if someone may be at risk of abuse and allow them to make informed decisions about their relationship.
Concerned friends, family members and professionals can also use the scheme if they’re worried about someone.
Equation, a Nottinghamshire charity, are launching a new campaign to let people know about their right to ask and offering support.
The ‘Right to Ask’ is part of the government’s Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS). The scheme recognises that the majority of domestic abuse occurs from repeat offenders, and that everyone has a right to know if they’re in a relationship with someone who has a history of abuse. The scheme aims to prevent cases of domestic abuse.
Anyone wanting to use the scheme can make an initial enquiry, either directly with the police or with support from Equation’s Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme specialist.
There are four ways to apply:
- Get specialist advice and support with your application:
o Call Equation on 0800 995 6999 or email [email protected]. Equation support men
o Call Juno’s 24 hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 800 0340. Juno support women
- Visit equation.org.uk/right2ask to apply online and find out more about the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
- Contact the police by calling 101 to make an enquiry over the phone, or textphone 18001 101.
What happens when you use your ‘Right to Ask’?
The police will check to see if that person has a record of domestic abuse. They will also look for any other information that suggests there might be a risk of abusive behaviour. If the police find concerning information, they will share this with the person who is at risk of abuse. In some situations, they may share the information with someone who can protect them.
If something feels off in your relationship, be safe, not sorry. Use your Right to Ask to keep yourself or someone else safe.
Notes:
Equation is a Nottingham charity working to prevent domestic abuse. Equation run education programmes in schools, training for professionals and behaviour change programmes as well as raise awareness of where to get help and support. Equation also runs a helpline and services for men experiencing abuse, who live in Nottinghamshire.
To find out more about Equation, visit equation.org.uk
To find out about Equation’s help for men experiencing abuse, visit equation.org.uk/help-for-men or call 0800 995 6999 – Mon – Fri 9.30am (7.30pm on Wednesdays)