The Dutch Parliament is considering a proposal to implement a law similar to the United Kingdom’s “Clare’s Law,” which would allow individuals to access information about their partner’s history of violence. The goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their relationships and seek help early if needed.

Member of Parliament Hanneke van der Werf emphasized that too many women are at risk in unsafe relationships due to a lack of accessible information about potentially violent partners. She stated that police capacity should not be an excuse to endanger women.

The proposed Dutch legislation aims to enable partners to make well-informed choices and seek help early on. Lawmakers believe that sharing information when police have serious concerns about repeated violence can be beneficial, provided privacy rules are respected.

The debate arises amid heightened awareness of femicide, or fatal violence against women and girls. In the Netherlands, a woman is murdered approximately every eight days, with (ex-)partners being the perpetrators in about half the cases.

The UK’s “Clare’s Law” is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her violent ex-partner. The law allows individuals and concerned parties to request information from the police about a partner’s past violent behavior.

The police then decide on a case-by-case basis what information is disclosed and to whom, balancing public interest and privacy considerations.

Co-proposer Songül Mutluer highlighted the importance of sharing information before it is too late, while respecting privacy rules.

Last year, the Rutte IV cabinet launched a plan to reduce fatal violence against women and girls.

The intention is that the British police respond to a request within 28 days if they grant it. The most recent figures showed in 2024 that 45,000 requests were submitted in England and Wales together.

Van der Werf stated that the privacy of (former) perpetrators should not prevent the legislation’s adoption.