Clare's Law explained as Belle Dingle uses it to combat domestic abuse on Emmerdale

Emmerdale's Belle Dingle has finally taken a stand against her abusive husband Tom King. The young resident of the Dales has been subjected to gaslighting and manipulation by her evil spouse, who has resorted to physical and emotional abuse.

The distressing plot saw Tom (played by James Chase) attempt to isolate Belle (Eden Taylor Draper) from her family, even whisking her away to a secluded cottage in Wales.

However, things took a turn for the worse when she escaped back to the village as he tried to exert further control over her.

Now, he's targeted their pet dog Piper in an effort to dominate her even more. Recognising that she needs assistance, Belle turns to the police for support.

While explaing her terrifying ordeal, Belle refers to Clare's Law - a real-life legislation designed to aid victims of domestic abuse. But what is Clare's Law?

Also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, Clare's Law was named after Clare Wood, who was tragically killed by her violent ex-boyfriend in 2009, reports the Mirror.

Clare's father Michael spearheaded the campaign for change, leading to the law being officially implemented in England and Wales in 2014. It grants individuals the right to know if their current or former partner has a history of violence or abuse.

Under Clare's Law, individuals have the right to approach the police to request information about a current or ex-partner if they fear they may pose a future risk or if they have a history of 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 at risk of domestic abuse.

The law provides both a 'right to ask' and a 'right to know'. Clare's Law was established to enable people to formally find out such information.

Since its initial campaign, versions of Clare's Law have been implemented in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Canada and Australia have also tested similar schemes to prevent domestic abuse using the 'right to ask' and 'right to know' framework.

Belle Dingle's abuse storyline continues on Emmerale at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.