Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland
You have the right to check if someone has a history of domestic abuse. This right is called the 'Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland'. A disclosure means sharing confidential information.
What is the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland?
The aim of this scheme is to provide a formal way to ask police if someone has a history of domestic abuse.
If police checks show the named person has a record of violent or abusive behaviour; or there is other information to indicate that there may be a risk from this named person, the police will consider sharing this with a potential victim.
This information can help protect a potential victim by helping them make a more informed decision on whether to continue a relationship. Police Scotland provides further help by supporting a potential victim when making that choice.
How to apply
If you are worried that you or someone else may be at risk from an individual who has or may have committed domestic abuse you can request the information by either:
- Calling police on 101.
- Visiting a police office.
- Speaking to a member of police on the street.
- Completing an online form via the Police Scotland website that can be found in the External Links section of this page.