North Wales Police to get domestic abuse specialist in 999 control room under Raneem’s Law
Domestic abuse specialists are to be placed inside North Wales Police’s 999 control room under the second phase of a scheme set up after two women were murdered despite calling police for help.
The initiative is known as Raneem’s Law, named after Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were killed by Raneem’s ex-husband in August 2018.
The family had made multiple 999 calls to police, who did not attend.
North Wales Police is one of 12 forces joining the scheme in what the UK Government has described as Phase 2 of the rollout, taking the total number of forces running Raneem’s Law to 17 across England and Wales.
The specialists placed in control rooms oversee how domestic abuse calls are assessed and managed, provide real-time advice to call handlers and responding officers, and ensure victims are referred to specialist support services.
They can also review individual cases and risk assessments, and support training for control room staff.
The UK Government said it plans to extend Raneem’s Law to every police force in England and Wales by 2029.
Nour Norris, the aunt and sister of Raneem Oudeh and Khaola Saleem and the lead campaigner for the scheme, said: “When my sister Khaola and my niece Raneem called for help, they should have been heard, understood and protected.
“Instead, our family lost two beautiful lives in circumstances that should never have happened.
“Every step forward for Raneem’s Law is deeply emotional for me because it comes from unimaginable pain and loss.
“Knowing that 12 more police forces will have domestic abuse specialists in their 999 control rooms gives me hope that other families may be spared the heartbreak that ours lives with every day.”
Natalie Fleet, the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, said: “Last year, one in eight women experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
“No society that tolerates this level of violence can claim to be safe for women.
“That’s why we are rolling out the pioneering Raneem’s Law to forces in Wales because every victim, no matter where they live, should be able to rely on a system that truly supports them.”
Jo Stevens, the Secretary of State for Wales, said: “Victims of appalling abuse across North Wales and Dyfed Powys will now have the greater protection they deserve.”
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, support is available.
Call the UK police non-emergency number 101 if you need support or advice from the police and it is not an emergency.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service on 18001 101.
Live Fear-Free is the helpline for sexual violence and domestic abuse victims in Wales.
Welsh Women’s Aid supports women and children.
North Wales Women’s Centre supports women across the region.
Relate Cymru offers relationship guidance including help for those experiencing domestic violence.
North Wales Safeguarding Adults Board works to protect adults from abuse and neglect.
BAWSO provides advice and support for black and minority ethnic people in Wales, including on domestic abuse, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, honour-based violence, human trafficking and modern slavery.
Dyn Safer Wales supports men who experience domestic abuse.
North Wales Victim Support offers help across the region.
Hafan Cymru supports people including those in abusive relationships.
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