Support for domestic violence victims expanded in West Midlands Police control rooms
Phase two of Raneem’s Law boosts specialist advisors in 999 calls
West Midlands Police is expanding a scheme to provide expert support for domestic violence victims calling 999.
Phase two of the Raneem’s Law initiative will embed independent domestic abuse specialists within control rooms, building on the support offered during its initial phase.
Introduced in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, who were killed by Raneem’s ex-partner in 2018, Raneem’s Law aims to enhance emergency responses by placing specialist advisors alongside police call handlers, improving risk assessments and facilitating early interventions.
Between March 2025 and March 2026, specialists from Coventry Haven Women’s Aid and Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid reviewed nearly 5,000 domestic abuse-related calls in a pilot phase.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Jen Mattinson discussed the progress at a West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner meeting.
She highlighted that Home Office funding of £440,820 will support phase two, enabling an expansion of the initiative.
“We’re very proud to be part of Phase One, and now Phase Two, of Raneem’s Law,” Mattinson said.
The initial phase included one specialist per shift during business hours, reviewing up to 11 per cent of domestic abuse calls and developing best practices.
“Phase Two will allow us to extend the number of specialists in our control room,” Mattinson explained.
Recruitment is currently underway to increase the number of specialists on duty from two to three per shift, covering from 8am to 10pm seven days a week, which is expected to enhance service provision significantly.
Since the start of Phase Two, the percentage of reviewed domestic abuse calls has risen from 11 per cent to 17 per cent, with further increases anticipated as staffing levels grow.