Clare's Law Campaign
Clare's Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, emerged from a tragic incident involving Clare Wood's murder by her ex-boyfriend in 2009. This campaign highlights the critical need for potential victims to access information about their partner's violent history.
Background of Clare's Law
Clare Wood met George Appleton on Facebook, unaware of his history of violence against women. Their relationship ended tragically when Appleton murdered Clare after she attempted to end their relationship.
Highlight: Clare Wood's murder by George Appleton in 2009 sparked the campaign for Clare's Law.
Purpose of Clare's Law Campaign
Michael Brown, Clare's father, initiated the campaign with a clear objective: to empower potential victims by allowing them to inquire about their partner's criminal history if they suspect they might be at risk.
Definition: Clare's Law aims to prevent domestic violence by providing individuals with the right to ask police about their partner's violent history.
Media and Celebrity Support
The campaign gained significant traction through various media channels:
- Television appearances
- Radio interviews
- Newspaper coverage
- Magazine articles
Highlight: Hazel Blears, MP for Salford and Eccles, provided notable support to the Clare's Law campaign.
Success of Clare's Law
The campaign's success is evident in its implementation and impact:
- A pilot scheme launched in 2012, running for one year
- 90 requests for disclosures were made, resulting in 53 actual disclosures
- The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme was officially established in 2014
- Introduction of domestic protection orders alongside Clare's Law
Example: During the pilot scheme, over half of the requests for information about potential abusers resulted in disclosures, demonstrating the law's practical application.
Justice for Ryan Campaign
The Justice for Ryan campaign arose from the tragic stabbing of Ryan Passey in August 2017 and the subsequent acquittal of his admitted killer, Kobe Murray, in February 2018.
Background of Justice for Ryan
Ryan Passey was fatally stabbed during a night out in Stourbridge. Despite Kobe Murray admitting to the stabbing and fleeing the scene, he was found not guilty in court.
Highlight: The acquittal of Kobe Murray, despite his admission of stabbing Ryan Passey, sparked the Justice for Ryan campaign.
Purpose of Justice for Ryan Campaign
The campaign focuses on two main objectives:
- To change the Criminal Justice System to allow families of victims to appeal "perverse" jury verdicts after an acquittal
- To implement changes in law that would require juries to provide reasons for their decisions and demonstrate their approach to evidence
Vocabulary: "Perverse" verdict refers to an unjust or unreasonable jury decision that goes against the weight of evidence.
Media Coverage
Bev Holder, an experienced local journalist with Stourbridge News, has been instrumental in covering the case from its inception, providing ongoing media attention to the campaign.
Campaign Methods
The Justice for Ryan campaign employs various strategies to raise awareness and funds:
- Maintaining an official website
- Operating an online shop selling merchandise
- Allocating proceeds towards:
- Changing knife laws
- Supporting families and friends of victims
- Continuing the fight for justice in Ryan's name
Example: The campaign's online shop sells merchandise to raise funds for their cause, demonstrating a practical approach to sustaining their efforts.
Both Clare's Law and the Justice for Ryan campaign exemplify grassroots efforts to address shortcomings in the criminal justice system, albeit focusing on different aspects. While Clare's Law has seen successful implementation, the Justice for Ryan campaign continues its fight for reform in jury verdict appeals and transparency.
