The Dutch Parliament has approved a motion to introduce legislation enabling women to check if their partners have prior convictions for domestic violence. This move aims to empower women with vital information to make informed decisions about their safety and seek help early on in potentially abusive relationships.

The motion, supported by a majority of MPs, draws inspiration from Clare’s Law in Britain, implemented following the tragic murder of Clare Wood by her ex-partner, who had a history of abuse unknown to her. The proposed Dutch law seeks to prevent similar tragedies by providing access to information about a partner’s violent past.

Relatives and friends concerned about a woman’s safety will also be able to request access to this information. The police will ultimately decide whether to grant access, balancing the need for transparency with privacy considerations.

The urgency of this legislation is underscored by alarming statistics. In 2023, 41 women were victims of homicide in the Netherlands, with over half killed by a current or former partner. This highlights the critical need for proactive measures to address domestic violence and protect vulnerable individuals.

The motion emphasizes that existing systems for detecting and responding to domestic violence reports are often inadequate. Providing women with information about a partner’s violent history would allow them to make informed choices and seek help at an early stage.

Junior Justice Minister Ingrid Coenradie has prioritized femicide prevention and has allocated additional funding for campaigns and specialized training within the public prosecution office. This commitment reflects the government’s determination to combat domestic violence and protect women at risk.