THE abusive pasts of more than 40 violent partners in Hampshire have been revealed under a scheme rolled out nationally less than a year ago.

Clare's Law, named after Clare Wood - who was murdered in 2009 by her ex-boyfriend, allows the police to disclose information about a partner's previous history of domestic violence or violent acts.

Using Freedom of Information laws, the Press Association discovered at least 1,335 disclosures have been made across England and Wales under the law following 3,760 applications for disclosure.

Of those disclosures, 44 came in Hampshire, after the force received 173 applications between the launch in March last year and December.

Courts in Hampshire have also approved 30 domestic violence protection orders (DVPOs) from 35 applications, which can be used to protect victims by preventing perpetrators from contacting them.

Clare's Law was rolled out nationally in March last year, following a 14-month pilot in Gwent, Wiltshire, Nottinghamshire and Greater Manchester, while DVPOs were launched in the same month following a one-year pilot in West Mercia, Wiltshire and Greater Manchester.

Detective Superintendent Ben Snuggs, Hampshire Constabulary’s lead on domestic abuse, said: “I’m pleased to see the service is being used well in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and am aware that we have had cases where we’ve disclosed details that have helped people make important decisions about the future of their relationships.”

He added: “The real benefit of the scheme is that it gives our communities the right to ask the police for more information about someone they suspect has a history of domestic abuse.

“Even if no information is disclosed or there is no history of abuse, it gives us the opportunity to speak further with those concerned to provide information or help them access support services to prevent abuse happening in the first place.”

Miss Wood, 36, was strangled and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton at her home in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Unbeknown to Miss Wood, Appleton had a history of violence towards women and was known to prowl online dating websites and Facebook in search of partners, often using different aliases. Appleton, from Salford, was found six days later after her death, hanged in a derelict pub.

Outside the four forces involved with the Clare's Law pilot, Lancashire had the highest number of disclosures at 146, while Norfolk had made five disclosures, the lowest level.