Clare's Law trial to begin The trials will continue in Manchester and Nottingham from September, but a national start date has yet to be set. Under the scheme, both men and women will be able to apply to check on a partner with whom they are embarking on an "intimate relationship." Applications will also be allowed from family members, friends and neighbours on behalf of another person if they have a "reasonable" fear that they may be at risk. Critics including Refuge, the domestic violence charity, have said that the initiative is a waste of police time, and there are also concerns about the potential for malicious complaints. If police do uncover a violence in the past of someone who has been checked, they will meet with other agencies to discuss how to ensure the person is kept safe. Officers will also be able to warn a woman that she may be at risk if they are tipped off by a third party, such as a doctor, that a violent individual has begun a new relationship. Carmel Napier, the Chief Constable of Gwent who is responsible for domestic violence for the Association of Chief Police Officers said: "The scheme is intended to empower people to make informed decisions to protect themselves and their children when getting involved with a new partner." In 2010, 94 women and 21 men were murdered by a current or former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend.