Northamptonshire Police one of five forces to trial a pilot to reduce domestic violence
It's as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is today announcing specialist officers will be deployed in 999 control rooms to better identify and respond to these types of incidents.
Northamptonshire Police has been chosen as one of five police forces to pilot a new government initiative known as Raneem’s Law.
Raneem’s Law aims to strengthen the policing response to domestic abuse by having domestic abuse specialists embedded within 999 control rooms, ensuring victims get a fast response when needed and referred to support services as quickly as possible.
The Home Office scheme was announced in response to the failures leading up to the tragic murders in 2018 of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem by Ms Oudeh’s ex-husband.
Raneem Oudeh's aunt has welcomed a "fundamental shift in how victims of domestic abuse are supported".
Nour Norris, whose niece Raneem Oudeh, 22, and sister Khaola Saleem, 49, were murdered by Ms Oudeh's ex-partner in 2018, said their "voices, struggles, and sacrifices have led to a law that will save lives".
Detective Superintendent Joe Banfield said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as a pilot force for Raneem’s Law. Northamptonshire Police is ahead of the curve, having first introduced Crisis Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) into our Force Control Room in 2021 – this was as result of the Office of the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner applying for Ministry of Justice funding to recruit these posts. We therefore recognise the enormous benefit these specialist workers bring to policing and to survivors of domestic abuse, so are pleased that through the Raneem’s Law initiative we can extend this further.
“Crisis IDVAs work in our control room at peak times, dealing with occurrences as they come in and deploying with police officers to live incidents or to scheduled appointments. This has already proved to be hugely effective, and through the Raneem’s Law pilot we are able to increase the support being offered, safeguard more victims and hopefully prevent repeated abuse.
“Our officers have an expert resource on hand for advice, who can provide help and emotional support at the very earliest moment to survivors who are often traumatised and fearful.
“At the time of an incident, we know it’s sometimes difficult for victims to share their experience and open up about the abuse they have suffered. This can be due to heightened emotions, fear, embarrassment, or shame, or sometimes because they don’t recognise hey are in an abusive relationship. Having domestic abuse professionals working alongside us means we can better assess risks and help victims through that immediate crisis and beyond.”
Crisis IDVAs are part Voice, the specialist service supporting victims of crime that is provided by Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone.
They currently work in the control room during peak hours Thursday through to Sunday.
The Raneem’s Law pilot means that a domestic abuse advisor will now also be available to support incidents on a Wednesday evening too.
Danielle Stone said: "It's going to give people more confidence in terms of reporting, they will know they are really talking to someone who understands all the issues. They won't need to be ashamed or afraid."
Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of Voice said: “We’re very pleased that the government has initiated this scheme. We can now add another day to the service we were providing through the Force control room. The scale of these crimes and their impact on survivors, victims and their loved ones really cannot be overestimated.
“Receiving help from a domestic abuse professional as swiftly as possible after an incident is so important. We’ve seen first-hand in Northamptonshire what a difference having a Crisis IDVA working in partnership with police can make.
“Being part of Raneem’s Law means we can extend our existing service further. We can help more victims, and we can assist the police with more real-time incidents. This means that victims/survivors can access support and safety advice and take steps towards rebuilding their lives.”
Anyone suffering from domestic abuse is urged to call their local police on the non-emergency 101 or, in an emergency, always call 999.
If you are not yet ready to contact the police, call Voice on 0300 303 1965 or visit www.voicenorthants.org
For help and advice go to: https://www.northants.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/