When Clare Wood, 36, was brutally raped and murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2009, her devastated family were determined her death wouldn’t be in vain.

Tragic Clare was strangled and set on fire by her ex George Appleton at her home in Salford. Just days later, twisted Appleton hanged himself in a derelict pub.

Clare was unaware of Appleton's history of domestic violence towards women, including convictions for harassment and abducting a former girlfriend at knifepoint.

Desperate to prevent another family going through the same pain, Clare’s father, Michael Brown, campaigned to introduce a law that would allow people to discover if their partner has a violent past.

In March 2014, his efforts paid off and Clare’s Law came into force across the UK.

Incredibly, a year on, the criminal records of more than 1,300 violent partners have been disclosed – potentially saving lives.

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For mum-of-one Amber Sheppard, 21, Clare’s Law proved invaluable in helping her escape her violent partner, Mike*, 29.

She was contacted by police after someone close to her used the law to ask for information about her boyfriend. After learning of his past behaviour, Amber left him.

Amber – who has had counselling and is in a new relationship - explains: “When I met Mike, he was lovely and attentive. But soon he became possessive and jealous.

"Five months into our relationship police approached me and told me someone close to me had used Clare’s Law to enquire about him. They said he had a history of domestic violence and advised i leave him.

"I was shocked and ended the relationship immediately to protect myself and my three-year-old son.

“Legally, I’m not allowed to know who came forward, but I’m so grateful.

"Without Clare’s Law I could be trapped in a violent relationship."

Read more of this story in Closer magazine, out today