People who fear they could be a victim of violence at the hands of their partner now have another option to protect themselves.

The Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act, better known as Clare’s Law, became law in this province yesterday.

It enables a person to apply to the police for personal information, such as criminal records, about a current or past partner.

They must have reasonable concern for their safety or well-being, and be willing to meet with the police.

Clare’s Law is also based on two key premises: The right to ask and the right to know.

Iris Kirby House executive director Malin Enstrom believes the new law can have a significant impact and she expects many to apply.

“Intimate partner violence is a significant health issue, it’s a national health issue and we see it here as well,” she said. “And I think that this application might help a lot of people to maybe find that extra step to take the courage to maybe leave a relationship that they know in their gut is not a good relationship.”

Clare’s Law is named after Clare Wood, a British woman who was murdered by her ex-partner in 2009, and was championed by her family after her death.

Newfoundland and Labrador joins Saskatchewan and Alberta as the only provinces to adopt the law thus far.