(Lethbridge News Now)

By Canadian Press / David Opinko

Alberta brings in Clare’s Law, allowing access to intimate partner’s criminal records

Mar 30, 2021 | 1:29 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta is the second province to bring in a law that could help people at risk of domestic violence learn about their intimate partner’s criminal record.

The legislation, which is informally known as Clare’s Law, comes into effect Thursday, April 1.

“The Lethbridge Police Service believes provisions in place under Clare’s Law will provide another valuable tool to help reduce incidents of domestic violence,” reads a statement from LPS.

It allows people who feel they may be at risk to apply for information related to a current or former partner’s potential risk for domestic violence, stalking or harassment, breaches of no-contact orders, or other relevant acts.

Police can also choose to warn potential victims if they feel they are in danger.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 9-15, 2024

Dec 10, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 2-8, 2024

Dec 02, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 12-17, 2024

Nov 12, 2024

“Alberta is currently the fourth-highest in Canada for rates of police-reported intimate partner violence. In fact, Lethbridge has the highest rate of both police-reported family violence and intimate partner violence,” says Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Community and Social Services.

In 2020, LPS responded to 1,667 calls for service regarding reports of domestic violence. Charges were laid in 38 per cent of those, resulting in 1,377 total criminal code charges.

Sawhney says, between 2008 and 2019, 204 Albertans died as a result of family violence.

“A key feature we are pleased to see included in Clare’s Law is that people who feel afraid in their relationships can choose to access social support. This is a crucial window of opportunity to stop violence in its tracks, says Andrea Silverstone, Executive Director of the Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention Society. “When Albertans make a Clare’s Law application, Sagesse is poised to connect them with customized support, suited to their location and situation. Every additional opportunity to access help increases the chance that we can prevent further violence and coercive control situations.”

The legislation was initiated in the United Kingdom and is named after Clare Wood, a woman who was murdered in 2009 by a partner she didn’t know had a violent criminal history.

For more details on Clare’s Law in Alberta, including how to fill out applications starting April 1, go to the provincial government’s website here.

The Family Violence Info Line is available 24-7 and in more than 170 languages by calling 403-310-1818.