Residents in Beausejour, Manitoba, can now ask for information about a current or former partner’s history of violence following the launch of a new provincial law on March 1, 2026. The Disclosure to Protect Against Intimate Partner Violence Act, often called Clare’s Law, gives people a way to check police records to help them make decisions about their safety. This new tool is intended to help residents and those at risk plan for their future and stay safe in their relationships.
Manitoba is the first province in Canada to expand these background checks to include reports of family and sexual violence. The province is also the first place in the world to make local community support a mandatory part of the process. This means that anyone who asks for information will also be connected with professionals who can help them understand the records and provide emotional support.
The program is run through the Family Resolution Service, and residents can apply over the phone or online. Locally, the Beausejour RCMP detachment works with the province to provide the background information needed for the disclosure. Applications include a risk assessment to ensure the information is shared safely and used for protection.
Those who use the service in the region will be linked to local organizations like the Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre or Agape House. These groups offer crisis services and counseling to help residents navigate their situations. While the service is currently based in Winnipeg and online, the government has plans to open more physical locations across the province.
