A LANDMARK pilot scheme which could aid thousands of domestic abuse victims was launched in Ayrshire this week.

Clare’s Law, which allows individuals to apply for information about their partner’s offending history, is being piloted for six months across Ayrshire.

The law was introduced following the murder of Clare Wood in 2009 by her ex-boyfriend, George Appleton in Salford, Greater Manchester after they met through Facebook. Appleton had a long history of domestic violence towards women.

The pilot comes ahead of the festive period when traditionally domestic violence incidents increase.

Under the scheme, women will have the 'right to ask’ if their partners have a history of abuse or violence.

Last year there were 4,711 domestic abuse incidents in 'U Division’ which covers the whole of Ayrshire, with 3,090 recorded since April 1 this year.

Introducing the scheme, Superintendent Neil Kerr, of 'U Division’ said: “Tackling domestic abuse is a key priority for the police and this scheme will allow us to share information about an abuser’s past with a potential victim.

“Applying through this scheme will ultimately assist those who are worried about their partner’s behaviour to make a more informed decision about whether to remain in the relationship.” Superintendent Kerr also laid out the expected timetable for applications.

That includes contact being made by agencies or police within three days of the application, a face-to-face meeting within 12 days, a referral to the decision panel within 20 days and a final decision after 30 days.

In a message to potential victims, he added: “Think carefully about where you are just now and potentially what could happen in the future. At least have a look at the Police Scotland website because there’s enough there for you to make an informed decision to come forward.” Mhairi McGowan, the Head of Service at ASSIST, the expert advocacy and support service for victims of domestic abuse, based in Kilmarnock, said: “People who carry out violence tend to move from victim to victim so this scheme will allow potential victims to know about their partner’s past.

“This has come about because a woman was killed, if we can save one woman from getting into a dangerous situation that’s fantastic.” Karen Gardner, Manager of East Ayrshire Women’s Aid, said: “We are pleased to be involved in the new pilot scheme.

“The real value in the scheme is that we often see serial abusers go from woman to woman. For women like that it will be very helpful. It’s another useful mechanism for keeping women and children safe.” Local SNP MSP Adam Ingram has welcomed the introduction of the pilot, saying: “Domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime which blights the lives of too many people in our communities – and so it is a really positive move for the Scottish Government to be piloting Clare’s Law.

Mr Ingram added: “Clare’s Law won’t solve the problem of domestic abuse in isolation – it is absolutely essential that we continue to promote a joined-up approach and make sure that our police and the courts have the necessary powers to bring perpetrators of domestic abuse to justice.

“Alongside this pilot, the Scottish Government is investing £34.5 million between 2012 and 2015 in work to tackle violence against women and will publish a strategy this summer to eradicate all forms of domestic abuse and make Scotland a safer place.” Disclosures through the scheme can be triggered by victims themselves, family members or another member of the public concerned about the victim, or public authorities such as the Police or Social Work.