UK Domestic Violence: Clare's Law Trials to go ahead

Men and women in parts of England and Wales will be able to ask police if their partners have a history of domestic violence.

The scheme, dubbed Clare's law, is named after Clare Wood who was killed by her ex-boyfriend at her home in Salford in February 2009.

Theresa May, the home secretary, is planning to unveil four areas where the scheme will be tested.

Wood's father, Michael Brown, has campaigned since the death of his daughter for better protection against violent partners.

At the inquest into her death, coroner Jennifer Leeming said that women should have a right to know about the violent past of men they are in a relationship with.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Domestic violence is a particularly dreadful form of abuse and we are constantly looking at ways to strengthen protection for victims.

"That is why we consulted on introducing a domestic violence disclosure scheme, often known as Clare's law. We will be making a formal announcement shortly."

Wood, a mother of one, met George Appleton, the man who eventually killed her,on Facebook. She was unaware of his long and violent past with women.

Appleton's history of violence against women included repeated harassment, threats and kidnapping his ex at knifepoint.

Appleton strangled and burnt Wood at her home and was dubbed the "Facebook Fugitive" after he went on the run. He eventually hanged himself.