Clare’s Law in Canada: Empowering People to Prevent Domestic Violence

Sara Santos-Vigneault
4 days ago
3 min read

A person sits on a green couch, holding their head in distress. Abstract art on the wall; a therapist is visible in the foreground. Calm room.

Domestic violence remains a devastating and persistent issue across Canada, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. In response to rising concerns about intimate partner violence, Canadian provinces are turning to proactive legal frameworks to help protect individuals before harm happens. One powerful tool making a real difference is Clare’s Law—an initiative that gives people the right to know if a partner has a history of abusive behavior, allowing them to make safer and more informed decisions.

Let’s break down exactly what Clare’s Law is, how it’s being implemented across Canada, and why it’s such a crucial step forward.

What is Clare’s Law?

Clare’s Law, officially known as the Disclosure to Protect Against Domestic Violence (Clare’s Law) Act, is named in honor of Clare Wood, a woman in the United Kingdom who was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2009. Clare hadn't known about his history of violence against previous partners—a tragic gap in information that sparked a nationwide push for change.

The purpose of Clare’s Law is simple but vital: to empower individuals with information about a partner’s violent past before it's too late.

There are two key ways information can be shared:

Right to Ask: Individuals can apply to police requesting information about whether a current or former partner has a known history of domestic abuse or violence.
Right to Know: Police can proactively disclose information if they believe someone is at significant risk—even if the person hasn’t formally requested it.

Ultimately, Clare’s Law is about prevention, giving people the tools they need to protect themselves from potential harm.

Clare’s Law Across Canada

Saskatchewan: The First Province to Act

Saskatchewan led the way, becoming the first province in Canada to pass Clare’s Law. The legislation officially came into effect on June 29, 2020. Under Saskatchewan’s model, individuals can request information through local police services. After a request is made, police conduct a careful risk assessment to determine if disclosure is necessary for the individual’s safety.

Source: Government of Saskatchewan – Clare’s Law

Alberta: Expanding Access with Technology

Alberta followed Saskatchewan’s example, implementing Clare’s Law on April 1, 2021. Alberta’s version mirrors Saskatchewan’s but adds an extra layer of accessibility: an online portal. This portal allows individuals to confidentially submit disclosure requests without needing to go to a police station, making the process more discreet and accessible.

Sources: Government of Alberta – Clare’s Law Information Alberta's Clare’s Law Legislation – Full Text (PDF)

Other Provinces: Growing Momentum

Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador have publicly expressed interest in adopting their own versions of Clare’s Law. Although full legislation hasn’t yet been passed in these provinces, conversations are actively underway. Meanwhile, other jurisdictions across Canada are watching closely, reflecting a growing recognition of the urgent need for preventive measures like Clare’s Law.

How the Disclosure Process Works

When someone submits a disclosure request under Clare’s Law, here’s what typically happens:

Application Submission:Individuals submit their request to a police service, either in person or—where available—through an online portal.
Risk Assessment:Police conduct a comprehensive review, which may include checking criminal records, previous charges, court orders, and any relevant police interactions.
Consultation with Partner Agencies:Authorities often work with social services and other agencies to gather a full picture of the situation.
Disclosure Decision:If police determine that sharing information is necessary to prevent harm, they will disclose limited, critical information in a secure and confidential manner.

Importantly, any information disclosed is intended solely to help the individual protect themselves. It cannot be shared publicly, and recipients are usually required to sign agreements confirming they understand this confidentiality.

Balancing Safety and Privacy

One of the most delicate aspects of Clare’s Law is finding the right balance between an individual’s right to be safe and another person’s right to privacy. Provinces implementing Clare’s Law must comply with strict privacy laws, such as the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Only information deemed necessary to prevent harm is disclosed, and it’s shared under stringent confidentiality rules to protect everyone’s rights.

This careful balancing act reflects Canada's broader legal commitment to safeguarding both public safety and individual privacy.

Why Clare’s Law Matters

Clare’s Law is a powerful tool in Canada’s broader fight against intimate partner violence. It’s not a silver bullet—no law can eliminate risk entirely—but it offers a vital layer of protection by giving people access to information they might otherwise never have.

By empowering individuals to make informed choices, Clare’s Law promotes safer communities, stronger prevention efforts, and greater accountability.

In short: it’s about giving people the knowledge they need to protect themselves and, hopefully, prevent future tragedies.