Does your partner have a history of abuse?

Police are urging potential victims of domestic abuse to use Clare’s Law to find out if their partner is a danger to them.

And officers are highlighting fraud in a relationship as a red flag about a partner as it is often part of wider economic abuse along with coercive and controlling behaviour, physical, sexual, emotional abuse or stalking and harassment.

“Abusers may use a number of the tactics below to defraud and financially control their victim. For example, identity fraud can be used by abusers to take control of your finances and apply for credit using your details,” said a police spokesperson.

“You may feel in fear of challenging or reporting this or coerced into going along with this. Abusers can also use these details to hack online accounts such as social media or online shopping accounts.

“Using you as a money mule the abuser may coerce you into giving your bank account details so they can transfer and launder money through you. Some abusers may tell you that they cannot have their own bank account and therefore need the use of yours.

“The start of an abusive relationship may begin with romance fraud where you may find yourself so engulfed in their lies that you no longer know what to believe. 

“Abusers can infiltrate your life and before you know it, they are living with you and your life is consumed by them. They may pretend to be someone else to gain information from you. They may set up fake profiles on social media or use alternative contact numbers or email addresses to further stalk and harass you.”

Banks across England and Wales are aware of the links to finances and domestic abuse and can often support victims who have concerns regarding their accounts. Police advice is to visit a branch or call banks to find out more.

Under Clare’s Law anyone worried about abuse can apply to Lincolnshire Police for information about a current or ex-partner to find out if they have a history and pose a threat. People can also ask on behalf of a friend or relative who might be at risk. 

The law is also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) and is named after Clare Wood who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009. It was formally rolled out in England and Wales in 2014 following a campaign led by her father.

Request information under Clare’s Law: https://www.lincs.police.uk/.../request-information.../ 

#LincolnshireAgainstFraud – joining forces to help protect people in our county.