How can one tragedy change the law and potentially save thousands of lives?
In this episode of the 1 in 3 Podcast, we explore the heartbreaking story of Clare Wood, whose murder by former partner George Appleton led to the creation of Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
Host Ingrid takes listeners through Clare’s life, her relationship history, and the systemic failures that prevented her from knowing the extent of her partner’s violent past. After Clare’s death, her father, Michael Brown, launched a relentless campaign for reform — ultimately changing how domestic violence information can be shared with potential victims.
This episode examines:
- The warning signs of coercive and escalating abuse
- Failures within criminal justice and information-sharing systems
- The nationwide manhunt following Clare’s disappearance
- How Clare’s Law works today
- The real-world impact of domestic violence disclosure policies
More than a true crime story, this episode explores how policy reform emerges from advocacy, grief, and determination — and how awareness of Clare’s Law may help prevent future domestic violence tragedies.
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Sources:
- “It’s Murder Up North” podcast by Jenny Hacking. Episode titled Clare Wood.
- https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/mum-whose-murder-changed-britain-22543641
- https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/timeline-clare-wood-murder-884985
- Crimes That Shook Britain; S5, Ep 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdkOwkYfils
- https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/12/murdered-mums-unsent-letter-killer-boyfriend-says-still-scare-10907243/
- https://www.thehotline.org/
- Domestic Violence & Abuse · Emergency Injunction Service (ncdv.org.uk)
- https://criminalinjurieshelpline.co.uk/
- https://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/survivor-resources/
This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.
Support the show
If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.
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If today's conversation meant something to you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.
Music: Tim Crowe