THE FAMILY of two Solihull women who were murdered by a violent ex-partner, have welcomed the government’s new measures to combat violence against women and girls.
The first wave of police forces will start embedding domestic abuse specialists in their 999 control rooms early next year to stop emergency services missing opportunities to save women’s lives.
The government will fund this pilot in targeted police forces from early 2025.
The service is similar Digital Abuse Desk West Midlands Police have had in place since last April last which is run by dozens of specially-trained officers who have video calls with domestic abuse victims who contact the police.
Raneem Oudeh, 22, and her mother Khaola Saleem were stabbed to death in August 2018 by Ranee’s estranged husband Janbaz Tarin.
She had made more than a dozen 999 calls in the weeks before she was killed, reporting domestic abuse, threats to kill and stalking by Tarin.
He was jailed for life with a minimum of 32 years.
The new measures will form part of ‘Raneem’s Law’ in memory of Raneem and Khaola.
Nour Norris, Raneem’s aunt, has been campaigning for Raneem’s Law since the women were killed.
She has helped train hundreds of our officers by speaking to them about the impact that the double tragedy had on her and her family.
She speaks candidly about the missed opportunities that led up to the murders, and her campaign to change the way that domestic abuse is viewed.
She urges officers to always listen to victims, as they will know first-hand what perpetrators are capable of.
Nour has said she has seen signs of positive change in the way police approach domestic abuse – but knows there is still a long way to go.
Nour said: “Six years ago, when I lost my niece Raneem and sister Khaola, my world fell apart. Their suffering and the way the system failed them is something I will never forget. That’s when I began my campaign, Secure Life for Raneem’s Law. What started as a quest for justice for my family became a mission to improve outcomes for all domestic abuse victims everywhere.
“Raneem’s Law will ensure that domestic abuse specialists are present in 999 control rooms so victims’ calls for help are taken seriously and save lives by making sure no warning signs are ignored, unlike in Raneem’s story. I am deeply proud that this government has listened and acted quickly to make Raneem’s Law a reality. Their commitment to addressing domestic violence has shown me that change is possible when we refuse to stay silent.
“Knowing that Raneem’s name will now be a source of hope and protection for others fills me with a sense of pride I cannot put into words. Raneem’s memory lives on in this law, and it means the world to me to know that her story will help save lives.”
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “Victims of appalling domestic abuse need to know that the police will be there for them. Today’s measures are the start of this new government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.
“Failure to understand the seriousness of domestic abuse costs lives and far too many have already been lost. That’s why introducing ‘Raneem’s Law’ in memory of Raneem and her mother Khaola is so vital – and has been a personal priority for me.
“Our mission is for the whole of government, agencies, organisations and communities to work together to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, and today is just one step of many towards tangible and long-lasting change.”
Anyone in an abusive relationship should contact Police.
For more support, contact Birmingham Solihull Women’s Aid, Black Country Womens Aid or Coventry Haven Women’s Aid.
