Domestic abuse charity welcomes Raneem’s Law pilot across Northumbria police force
The Home Office said that, under Raneem's Law, domestic abuse specialists will work in emergency control rooms in five forces
A Sunderland domestic abuse charity is welcoming the news that support workers will be placed in 999 control rooms.
It is following the launch of Raneem’s Law pilot in five police forces across the country - including Northumbria - which aims to improve and strength police response to victims of domestic abuse.
Helen Slimin, from Wearside Women in Need, said: "We are very excited about the launch of the Raneem's law pilot. It's a great opportunity to be part of and have one of our experienced workers on the ground working alongside police.
"I'm sure this will have a positive impact on practice, which can only improve services for women in danger. It's an ideal chance to share practice, train officers and positively challenge victim blaming language or calls which could have had a better response.
"It's so important to have specialists working alongside police as we are an independent service with specialist knowledge of domestic abuse and sexual violence. We will hopefully be able to bridge the gap and build relationships between police and victims whilst reviewing safety and changing perceptions.
"It's really, really important that the North East has the support it needs, especially for the women and children who deserve that safety and any opportunity that we have to make people safer is welcomed and we will obviously grab that with both arms."