Specialists will advise police in control rooms, aiming to improve responses to abuse reports after failures in the Raneem Oudeh case.
Raneem and her mom, Khaola Saleem, died in 2018. Janbaz Tarin stabbed them in Solihull. Raneem called 999 four times that night. She worried about their safety. Police had been to ten prior abuse incidents.
Raneem’s aunt, Nour Norris, is happy. She sees it as a big help change. She said Raneem asked, “and the system heard.”
“Raneem’s Law” puts specialists in 999 centers. It affects five police forces at first. West Midlands, Northumbria, and Northamptonshire are included. Bedfordshire and Humberside police are also listed. It may expand across England and Wales later.
These experts will give advice to officers. They will review cases and assess risks. They will also listen to calls. After, feedback will be given to handlers. They will train staff on domestic abuse. The experts will support using helpful technology, including video calls.
Nour Norris visited a police control room with Jess Phillips, a minister. Norris said the moment was deeply emotional. She campaigned six years for justice. She returns to a police force that failed.
Norris said the police could have saved them. Raneem asked 999 for help, but the agency failed and did not act. Because of that failure, these women died. She is not looking to blame anyone, but Norris hopes for change after this.
Norris spoke about government and police teamwork. “Raneem’s Law” is being used now. It helps victims of domestic abuse. Raneem deserved help, and so did her sister. It is about helping victims live without fear. They deserve safety, dignity, and a future.
Change happens when people say no to failure. We can’t wait for tragedy, she added. We must make safety measures now, measures that should have been there all along. Nothing can bring Khaola and Raneem back. Their legacy will save lives.
One in four women face domestic abuse. Police recorded an abuse crime every 40 seconds in 2023. Only about 19% of women reported abuse. Refuge says 84% of victims are female, and 93% of defendants are male.
Disabled women are twice as likely to suffer abuse. They also endure abuse for longer times. It takes seven tries for a woman to leave for good.
Yvette Cooper says it must be their legacy. The police must overhaul their emergency response. She stated that abuse calls occur every 30 seconds. “We ensure victims receive specialist help,” she said.
Phillips praised Norris’ determination. She said it helps abuse victims beforehand. “Raneem’s death revealed costs of missed chances.” Every 999 call is someone’s family in fear. Correct responses are crucial from the start. The police will provide a response to every call.
Louisa Rolfe thanks those improving police action. She thanks victims, families, and groups.