What is Clare's Law as Emmerdale's Belle uses it to stop Tom King?

Belle Dingle has finally taken a stand against her husband Tom King in Emmerdale. The young resident of the Dales has been victimised by her malicious husband Tom, who has resorted to gaslighting and manipulation to dominate her, even escalating to devastating physical and emotional abuse.

The distressing storyline has seen Tom (James Chase) attempt to isolate Belle (Eden Taylor Draper) from her family, and he even whisked her away to a secluded cottage in Wales. However, it all culminated in catastrophe when she fled and returned to the village as he sought to control her further.

He has now targeted their pet dog Piper in an effort to exert even more dominance over her. Recognising that she needs assistance, Belle turns to the police for support. In tonight's episode, she refers to Clare's Law - a real-life law designed to aid those enduring domestic abuse. What is Clare's Law?

Also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, Clare's Law was named in memory of Clare Wood, who was tragically killed by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009. Clare's father Michael spearheaded the call for change, and the law was officially implemented in England and Wales in 2014, reports the Mirror.

It grants individuals the right to know if their current or former partner has any past record of violence or abuse.

Under Clare's Law, individuals have the right to approach the police for information about a current or former partner if they fear they may pose a future risk or if there has been past abuse.

This law also allows you to request information about the partner of a close friend, neighbour or family member if you're worried they might be in danger of domestic abuse.

The law provides both a 'right to ask' and a 'right to know'.