A pilot scheme trialled in Wiltshire to protect women from domestic violence by a partner will be extended nationwide.

Clare's Law was trialled for 12 months from September 2012 to allow women to check police records to see if a partner has a violent past.

It was named after Clare Wood, 36, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton at her home in Salford in February 2009.

The mother of one had met Appleton on Facebook, unaware of his history of violence against women including repeated harassment, threats and the knifepoint kidnapping of another ex-girlfriend.

The law is expected to take effect from March.

Home Secretary Theresa May told The Sun that 88 women were killed by a violent partner or ex-partner last year, and said there was "considerable confusion" about when or if police can share information on someone's violent past with the public.

She said: "Domestic abuse shatters lives - Clare's Law provides people with the information they need to escape an abusive situation before it ends in tragedy.

"The national scheme will ensure that more people can make informed decisions about their relationship and escape if necessary. This is an important step towards ensuring we do better by women like Clare Wood in the future."

Since the scheme was first piloted in Wiltshire, a total of 118 applications for disclosure have been made in the county with 22 disclosures having been granted. These include 39 ‘Right to Ask’ and 79 ‘Right to Know’ applications.

Wiltshire Police also piloted Domestic Violence Protection Orders. They were one of three police force areas – alongside Greater Manchester and West Mercia – to trial the scheme which ensures that perpetrators of domestic violence are banned from molesting a victim, or going near their home, for up to 28 days.

Since the start of the Home Office-led pilot in Wiltshire – which began in July 2011 – a total of 246 DVPO’s have been applied for to court with 208 of those granted.

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Pat Geenty said: “I fully support today’s decision from the Home Office and am proud that Wiltshire Police, along with a number of our partner agencies, have played such an integral part in the inception of both the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme and Domestic Violence Protection Orders.

“Wiltshire Police remains committed to supporting victims and targeting the perpetrators of domestic abuse. I must commend the endeavours of my staff, as well as those who work for our partner agencies, for their commitment and drive in ensuring the success of these pilot schemes.”

Angus Macpherson, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: “I very much welcome the Home Secretary’s announcement.

“One of my key priorities is to put victims and witnesses first, and the victims and survivors of domestic abuse are very much part of my agenda. A grant from my Innovation Fund has allowed Swindon Women’s Aid to appoint a Young People’s Independent Domestic Violence Adviser.”

Maggie Rae, chair of Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership, said: "We're pleased with this news as this pilot has been a success in Wiltshire and I welcome any scheme that helps us to prevent cases of domestic violence. We will continue to work with our partners to prevent a crime that affects many in society, regardless of their age or background."

Richard Palusinski, Head of Swindon Community Safety Partnership, said: “Our involvement in the pilot phase has shown that Domestic Violence Protection Orders have proved to be an important and effective way of allowing victims to have the time and space to assess their choices for a safer future. We recognise that this announcement - along with the roll-out of Clare’s Law - will add an important additional level of help and support to victims and survivors.”

Keith Humphries, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: “I welcome the announcement that the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme and Domestic Violence Protection Orders will be rolled out across England and Wales. Protecting the most vulnerable in our communities is one of Wiltshire Council's top priorities and these schemes will continue to help us prevent domestic abuse - a crime which blights people's lives."

For more information on the DVDS pilot scheme, contact Wiltshire Police Domestic Abuse Investigation Teams on 101. There is also the facility to leave information anonymously.

If you are or know someone who is living with the affects of domestic abuse, please speak out and seek support by contacting Wiltshire Police. You can also call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (freephone in partnership with Women's Aid and Refuge), Swindon 24 Hour Helpline 01793 610610 or visit www.speakoutwiltshire.com.