Clare's law - criticism

[EclecticShock]

article here

When I heard about this law, I thought it seemed like a good idea, however, apparently it's been criticised by violence charities. Does anyone understand the complexities of it and why it may have been criticised?

• Similar schemes show no effect on the relevant crime rate
• Why shift responsibility from police to potential victim?
• May not trust government with data
• Far too much potential for vigilantism
• Only 25% of victims report to the police
• Hugely costly
• Could turn into yet another way to victim blame ("Oh, you didn't Clare's-law him? Well, you really could have seen this coming...")
• Won't catch out first-time offenders
• Won't catch out emotional abusers
• Will the threat of going on a 'register' make abusers even more determined to 'cover their tracks' through manipulation and threats?
• How soon before someone becomes your partner, giving you the 'right to know'? Is this time period long enough to stop strangers checking up on other strangers? Short enough that you can check before an abuser starts the manipulation/coercion?
• Why is the burden on the woman to ask, rather than the man to disclose?
• Many charities, including Refuge and Women's Aid are against it

That's made it much clearer, good points ecclesvet.