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Manitoba’s Clare’s Law

Please note that The Disclosure to Protect Against Intimate Partner Violence Act comes into force on March 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted beginning on March 1, 2026.

If someone thinks they might be at risk of intimate partner violence from a current or former intimate or romantic partner, they can apply to Manitoba’s Clare’s Law program for help.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you think a child is being harmed or neglected, contact Child and Family Services at: 1-866-345-9241.

If you need urgent support but are not in immediate danger, call or text the 24 hour Gender Based Violence Crisis and Information Line at 1 877 977 0007.

What is Clare’s Law?

In Manitoba, The Disclosure to Protect Against Intimate Partner Violence Act (also known as Clare’s Law) provides pathways to help people stay safe in their relationships. If someone is worried that a current or former intimate/ romantic partner may have a history of domestic violence they can apply to find out if that person has a known history of violent or abusive behaviour. This information can help them make informed and safer choices.

Who can Apply to the Clare’s Law Program?

You (as the Person at Risk)

You can apply if:

  • you are currently, or were previously, in an intimate/romantic partner relationship, and
  • you are concerned about your safety or believe you may be at risk of intimate partner violence.

Either you or your current or former intimate/romantic partner must live in Manitoba. If you do not live in Manitoba, program staff may provide information about a similar program in your province.

Representative

A representative may apply on behalf of someone else if they believe that person is at risk. A representative can be:

  • a parent, guardian, or alternate decision maker
  • a committee appointed under The Mental Health Act
  • someone acting under a Power of Attorney granted by the person, if making the application relates to the powers and duties conferred by the Power of Attorney
  • a substitute decision maker appointed under The Adults Living with an Intellectual Disability Act (formerly known as The Vulnerable Persons Living with a Mental Disability Act)

Representatives may be asked to provide proof of their authority or relationship with the Person at Risk during the intake process.

Definitions

  • Intimate/romantic partner
    Someone who has or has had a spousal, conjugal, intimate or dating relationship with a person, or is the other parent of an applicant’s child.
  • Person at Risk
    Someone who is, or was, in an intimate/romantic relationship and believes they may be at risk of intimate partner violence.
  • Representative
    Someone who is legally allowed to apply to the Clare’s Law Program on behalf of someone else.
  • Person of Disclosure
    The person the disclosure request is about. The Person of Disclosure is the individual who may pose a risk to someone applying for the Clare’s Law Program.

How Can I Apply to the Clare’s Law Program?

Manitobans can contact the Clare’s Law Program by:

Email: ClaresLaw@gov.mb.ca

Phone: 431-335-1959

In person or by mail:
200-379 Broadway (2nd floor)
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0T9

What forms should I submit?

You will need to complete the Application Form to access the Program:

Keeping Children Safe: Duty to Report

The safety of children is a priority.

If the Clare’s Law team believes a child is at risk of harm, they are legally required to report this information to a Child and Family Services agency.

What to Expect After you Apply

After you submit your application, a member of the Clare’s Law team will contact you to set up an intake meeting with you. They will only reach out using the contact method and times you chose in your application form. You are welcome to bring a support person with you to the intake meeting.

At your intake meeting, the Clare’s Law team will:

  1. Learn About Your Concerns
    They will discuss your relationship history and safety concerns in a supportive way, explain your options, and help you understand the process.
  2. Assess Risk
    They will help you understand risks that you or your children may face in your current or former relationship.
  3. Help Create a Safety Plan
    They can assist you in developing a personalized safety plan whether you stay in the relationship, plan to leave, or have already left.
  4. Connect You with Supports
    They will help you connect with public and community-based services and supports including counselling, shelters, and other resources as appropriate.
  5. Discuss Disclosure (Optional)
    If you choose, the Clare’s Law team will work with the police to find out if your current or former intimate partner has a known history of violence. Disclosure is determined on a case-by-case basis and not guaranteed.

How is Risk Assessed?

The Clare’s Law team uses evidence-based risk assessment tools to assess the nature and severity of intimate partner violence. The tools assess lethality factors such as psychological, emotional, and physical violence, coercive controlling behaviour, and the impact on children and their wellbeing. Police information will be gathered for further assessment of risk.

A risk analysis is used to inform decisions about disclosure. Risk is not categorized as “low,” “medium,” or “high” as this type of ranking system may provide a false sense of safety. For more information about the risk assessment tools used, please contact the Clare’s Law team at: ClaresLaw@gov.mb.ca.

Disclosure

Should you choose to pursue a disclosure, the application form will be shared with the appropriate police service in Manitoba. Once information is collected, and a risk assessment is completed, you will be notified. Disclosure is determined on a case-by-case basis and not guaranteed.

Disclosure information is confidential and will only be shared with you verbally.

Disclosure information cannot be:

  • written down or recorded
  • shared with others (unless they are authorized under The Disclosure to Protect Against Intimate Partner Violence Act)
  • shared publicly or on social media
  • used in any legal proceedings

Who You Can Share the Information With

If you receive disclosure information you may share it with:

  • a licensed lawyer allowed to practice in Canada
  • a licensed Canadian health professional such as a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, nurse, nurse practitioner, or a registered social worker
  • someone who provides counselling services, including an Elder or spiritual or culturally specific counsellor
  • a parent, guardian, or alternate decision-maker if you are under 18

Supports and Resources

If you are looking for additional supports or resources, you can:

Safety