Claire's Law, DVPOs & police protection — the non-court safety toolkit
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-28
The tools the police themselves can use
Before (or instead of) a FL401 application, the police have their own protective powers. They are quick, and they build the official record that family courts and legal-aid assessors rely on (see our police page and FL401 guide).
Claire's Law — the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
Lets you ask the police whether a current or ex-partner has a history of domestic abuse or violent offences ("right to ask"), and lets police proactively disclose to someone at risk ("right to know"). Ask at any police station or by 101. Disclosure is discretionary and carefully controlled — but it has saved lives.
DVPO / DVPN — Domestic Violence Protection Orders
- DVPN (notice): police can remove a suspected abuser from the home for 48 hours without going to court first
- DVPO (order): a magistrate can then extend that protection up to 28 days
- Purpose: emergency breathing space while you apply for a non-molestation order (FL401) — see our FL401 guide
Police information checks in family cases
Cafcass safeguarding checks query police systems after a C100 — police callouts, referrals and notices all appear. Reporting abuse creates the record; not reporting leaves the court relying only on your word.
When to use what
| Situation | Best first step | |---|---| | Immediate danger | 999 | | Abuser in the home, needs removal now | Police → DVPN/DVPO | | Need to know an ex's history | Claire's Law request (101) | | Ongoing harassment/threats | FL401 non-molestation order (+ police report) | | Fear of child abduction | Prohibited Steps Order (urgent) + police |
Keep a safe record
Photograph injuries (with dates), keep abusive messages, log incidents with dates and witnesses — on a safe device (see our DA support pages: Refuge 0808 2000 247, 999).
Official links
- Claire's Law: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-violence-disclosure-scheme-claires-law
- DVPOs: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-violence-protection-orders
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with the police or gov.uk.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.