Cleveland Police bringing domestic abuse specialists to control room
The new scheme aims to enhance initial support provided to victims
Cleveland Police’s 999 control room will receive crucial support from domestic abuse specialists, aimed at improving the response to victims and survivors.
This initiative comes as part of the second phase of 'Raneem’s Law,' a pilot commissioned by the Government and launched to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG).
A team from Harbour Support Services will be stationed directly within the control room, offering real-time guidance on assessing risks and identifying safeguarding opportunities.
The service will operate daily from 5pm to 1am, including bank holidays like Christmas Day, targeting peak times for domestic abuse-related incidents.
This move follows the introduction of Raneem’s Law, commemorating Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered in 2018 due to delayed police intervention despite multiple distress calls.
Statistics indicate VAWG offences constitute approximately 20% of all crimes reported to Cleveland Police, amounting to 16,047 instances between 1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026.
Inspector Roger Millward, who leads the pilot, highlighted the importance of providing support to victims and survivors, stating: “Our priority is to continue ensuring victims and survivors have the confidence to make the first step in reporting domestic abuse as well as finding ways that will keep encouraging it.
"This pilot is another example of us doing that and putting victims and survivors first and at the heart of everything we do.
"By working collaboratively with Harbour in our control room enables our approach to be even stronger and powerful by having information and advice available to officers and staff that ensures victims and survivors are safeguarded and receive the best possible response.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey noted the scheme's potential to safeguard individuals effectively when they first report domestic abuse.
He said: “When someone picks up the phone to report domestic abuse, it presents a crucial opportunity for police to safeguard people from harm. We have seen the terrible consequences when the severity of the risk facing victims is not properly identified, assessed and responded to.
"Harbour’s expert workers will be a powerful asset to Cleveland Police’s control room, offering independent, practical advice to ensure victims and survivors get the best response possible.”
Lesley Gibson, Chief Executive of Harbour, expressed satisfaction with their participation in the scheme, emphasizing the critical role of providing victims a compassionate and protective response. Gibson said: “We’re delighted to be part of this pilot scheme. When victims of abuse call the police, they expect that they will be believed, understood and protected from harm.
"Our workers will be in police control room when more victims tend to call for help, to ensure officers and staff are taking the time to carefully consider the risk they’re facing. Sadly this project won’t bring back Raneem and Khaola, but by working to improve the level of service provided to all victims, we stand a better chance of preventing similar tragedies in the future.”