New 999 domestic abuse pilot follows double murder
A groundbreaking initiative, known as “Raneem’s Law,” is set to place independent domestic abuse specialists within the 999 control rooms of five police forces across England. The pilot scheme, announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, is designed to improve emergency response for victims of domestic abuse and prevent tragic outcomes.
The initiative follows the murders of Raneem Oudeh, 22, and her mother, Khaola Saleem, who were killed in Solihull in 2018 by Ms. Oudeh’s ex-partner, Janbaz Tarin. Their deaths, and the systemic failings identified in their case, prompted renewed calls for more effective safeguards. An inquest in 2022 found that mistakes by West Midlands Police “materially contributed” to their deaths, highlighting numerous missed opportunities to protect the two women.
Under the pilot, domestic abuse specialists, sourced from women’s aid charities will be embedded in control rooms for the West Midlands, Northumbria, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, and Humberside police forces. These professionals will assist call handlers by reviewing domestic abuse reports in real time and advising officers responding on the ground. The plan also includes specialized training for police control room staff and streamlined referrals to support services, ensuring that victims receive prompt, expert help.
Home Secretary Cooper emphasized the need to address past mistakes and improve future responses. She noted that West Midlands Police had been committed to learning from the failures that left Raneem and her mother vulnerable. Cooper expressed encouragement about the new, forward-thinking initiative, and stressed the importance of creating better outcomes for other victims, working toward the broader goal of significantly reducing violence against women and girls over the next decade.
The government has allocated £2.2 million for the first phase of Raneem’s Law, set to roll out over the next financial year. Cooper initially proposed the idea in 2024, referencing the tragic case as a stark reminder of the urgent need for better intervention measures. In the years following the murders, West Midlands Police faced intense scrutiny for failing to protect Ms. Oudeh and Ms. Saleem, despite Ms. Oudeh’s repeated 999 calls on the night of her death and a documented history of domestic abuse involving Tarin.
Nour Norris, the aunt and sister of the victims, has been a leading voice behind Raneem’s Law. She stressed the broader implications of the pilot, stating: “This is not just about saving lives; it’s about ensuring that victims who survive have the chance to truly live, free from fear and harm. We must build the safeguards that should have been there all along.”
If successful, the pilot could lead to a nationwide implementation across all 43 police forces in England and Wales. Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips, praised Norris’s advocacy, noting that her determination to bring about change “will save lives.”
As these specialists begin their work, advocates hope the initiative will not only offer better protection for victims in the moment but also prevent future tragedies. Raneem’s Law represents a pivotal step forward in addressing the gaps that have allowed too many victims to fall through the cracks.