Clare's Law
The Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol (Clare's Law) Act authorizes a police service to disclose certain risk-related information to a current or former intimate partner in cases where such information can assist them in making informed decisions about their safety and relationship.
In response to an application, police may disclose whether their review leads them to advise that the applicant is at high, medium or low-risk from the subject of the application, as well as any relevant convictions. The disclosure must be accompanied by a safety plan tailored to the needs of the person at risk.
Saskatchewan was the first province in Canada to implement Clare's Law. The Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol (Clare's Law) Act came into force in the province on June 29, 2020. It was developed in partnership by the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, the Provincial Association of Transition Houses (PATHS) and the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police.
1. How a Request is Initiated
The protocol recognizes two procedures for disclosing information:
The "right to ask" is triggered by a member of the public applying to a police service for a disclosure.
Applications can be made by a person who believes they may be at risk of harm by a current or former intimate partner, or by a third party who has a close relationship with someone who they are concerned may be at risk.
The "right to know" is triggered by the police service making a proactive decision to disclose information to protect a potential victim.
2. Information an Applicant May Have to Provide
An applicant who feels they are at risk may be asked about such information as:
- Personal information about the subject of the application, such as their name, address and date of birth.
- Whether the subject has children, and their basic personal information.
- Details about the subject's relationship with the applicant.
- Concerns you have about the subject or their relationship.
If you are a third-party applicant, you may be asked about:
- Your relationship with the person at risk.
- Whether the person at risk knows you are making the application, and why or why not.
- Why the person at risk is not making the application on their own behalf.
3. Make an Application
To make an application, contact your local municipal police service or RCMP detachment. They will provide you with further information and the required forms.