Hanneke van der Werf of opposition party D66 says the law is crucial because victims of domestic violence usually are unaware of their partner's violent past. Bente Becker of the ruling VVD added that dangerous behavior is often already known to authorities but concealed from potential victims. According to Songul Mutluer from GroenLinks-PvdA, a law providing this type of access to current affairs "could save lives" by revealing violent pasts before others are harmed.

Clare's Story Prompts Demand for Action in the Netherlands
The UK law is known as Clare's law, after Clare Wood, who was killed in 2009 by her former boyfriend George Appleton. Wood had reported threats and abuse to the police before her death, but had no knowledge of Appleton's history of violence against other women. Appleton later shot himself after he killed her and set her home ablaze.

Her father subsequently campaigned for legal changes, which resulted in a law in the UK named Clare's Law.

The soon-to-be Dutch form also extends the option of information request beyond just partners — even close relatives or friends could ask for information. Family members will often have a feeling when they're in a dangerous relationship," van der Werf said.

Becker recounted one case where a mother knew her daughter was in trouble readily enough, and access to police records could have saved her life.

Weig.