Embedded domestic abuse specialists will soon join the 999 control rooms of five police forces in the UK, aiming to enhance support for victims in need. This initiative, known as “Raneem’s Law”, was prompted by the tragic murders of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem at the hands of Oudeh’s former partner Janbaz Tarin in 2018. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper unveiled this plan as part of the Labour Party’s efforts to revamp police responses to domestic abuse. The participating forces include West Midlands, Northumbria, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, and Humberside.
To kickstart “Raneem’s Law”, the government has allocated £2.2 million to fund the initial stages of implementation within the upcoming financial year. The concept was first proposed by Cooper in 2024 when she was shadow home secretary, citing overlooked opportunities by agencies to shield the victims who lost their lives in Solihull. An inquest in November 2022 found that shortcomings by West Midlands Police significantly contributed to the tragic outcome. On the night of the murders, Oudeh contacted the police four times to report concerns about her safety, despite previous reported incidents involving Tarin’s violence.
Campaigner Nour Norris, who is also Oudeh and Saleem’s lead advocate, aunt, and sister, emphasized the necessity of “Raneem’s Law” to prevent families from enduring similar tragedies. Norris stressed the importance of providing victims with the necessary support to not only survive but also live free from fear and harm. As part of the pilot program, the specialists will assess incoming domestic abuse calls, offer guidance to responding officers, conduct training sessions for control room staff, and ensure victims are connected with specialized support services. The ultimate goal is to expand this model to all 43 police forces across England and Wales following the successful implementation in the initial five forces. Cooper and Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips, reiterated the urgency and importance of preventative measures to curb domestic abuse and prevent further loss of life
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