“Raneem’s Law” Plan to Embed Domestic Abuse Specialists into 999 Call Centres Announced by Home Secretary

Raneem Oudeh – victim of brutal attack

Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband in 2018. On the night of the crimes, Raneem called 999 four times having previously made multiple police reports. Her ex-husband, Jabaz Tarin, had spent the day hunting down the women before he killed them.

An inquest after the event concluded that mistakes made by West Midlands Police had contributed to their deaths. New measures were announced by the Home Secretary on Friday 20 September to combat violence against women and girls including to have domestic abuse specialists embedded in 999 control rooms. These are being dubbed “Raneem’s Law” in memory of Raneem and her mother.

The pilot project will see specialists with training in domestic abuse working in 999 control rooms in selected police forces from early 2025. 

Home Secretary – Yvette Cooper announcement

Yvette Cooper has said: 

“Today’s measures are the start of this government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.” 

The Government's plan seeks to ensure that, where victims and survivors of domestic abuse have the courage to come forward, their concerns are properly addressed. 

A report by the National Police Chiefs’ Council released earlier on this year concluded crimes including domestic abuse and sexual assault affect one in twelve women in England and Wales. 

The National Police Chief’s Council lead for Domestic Abuse, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, has said: 

“Domestic abuse... accounts for a significant proportion of police-recorded crime and [the police] are working hard to improve the way it responds to domestic abuse.” 

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, has welcomed the proposals. 

Domestic Abuse and Criminal Injury Claims 

Survivors of domestic abuse may be eligible for compensation through the government funded, Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

The abuse must be reported to the police, and in addition there is a requirement to fully cooperate with the police and courts in bringing the assailant to justice. 

Anyone seeking advice or information about a criminal injuries compensation scheme claim should contact a specialist legal advisor. 

Winston Solicitors criminal injuries specialists are available on 0330 300 5000 or email @email