With domestic violence towards women and girls still shockingly prevalent in the UK, new measures known as Raneem’s Law, seek to drastically lower abuse figures.
Raneem Oudeh and Her Mother Killed by Janbaz Tarin
On an August day in Birmingham in 2018, 22-year-old Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, were killed by Oudeh's estranged partner, Janbaz Tarin. The incident highlighted serious gaps in the response of UK authorities to domestic violence cases. Particularly around intervention and protection for victims of domestic violence towards women and girls. Since the incident, Raneem’s Law has come into play with a view to ensuring an appropriate response to this kind of domestic abuse.
Raneem had been in a turbulent and abusive relationship with Janbaz Tarin, who had a history of violence and controlling behaviour. Despite reporting Tarin to the police on multiple occasions, Raneem struggled to escape his persistent harassment and abuse. In the months leading up to her death, Raneem had sought police protection, expressing fear for her safety. However, due to procedural shortcomings and communication gaps, police efforts to protect her were inadequate.
On the night of the murder, Raneem and her mother were returning to Khaola’s home after spending the evening together. Tarin confronted them outside the property and attacked them with a knife, resulting in fatal injuries. Both women died at the scene.
The case led to substantial criticism of police handling of domestic violence cases, with Raneem and Khaola’s family calling for changes in law enforcement practices to improve victim protection. This advocacy led to the development of Raneem's Law, which aims to improve support for victims of domestic abuse. Holding authorities accountable and ensuring swift and effective responses could prevent such tragedies in the future.
Failings in the Police Force Could Be a Factor in Domestic Violence Against Women and Girls Being Overlooked
The murder of Raneem Oudeh and Khaola Saleem has sparked ongoing discussions on police reforms and legislative change. An inquest into the deaths of Raneem Oudeh and Khaola Saleem revealed several failings by West Midlands Police. It identified several missed opportunities to protect the two women. The inquest findings pointed to multiple issues, including inadequate responses to Raneem’s repeated calls for help and a lack of follow-up after earlier domestic violence reports. Evidence presented showed that Raneem had contacted police on several occasions in the days and hours leading up to the attack. Each call reported Tarin’s stalking and escalating threats. The findings showed a pattern of delayed or ineffective interventions. These left Raneem and her mother vulnerable, despite clear signs of escalating danger.
In response, the Home Secretary announced new initiatives on 20th September to enhance the response to domestic violence against women and girls. An action plan largely inspired by the tragic outcome of this case. Central to these reforms is the introduction of domestic abuse specialists in emergency control rooms. It has been dubbed "Raneem’s Law" to honour Raneem Oudeh and Khaola Saleem's memory. The new measures reflect the government’s commitment to addressing systematic issues in handling domestic abuse incidents and improving victim support and protection.
The pilot programme will launch in early 2025, embedding domestic abuse specialists directly in 999 control rooms in selected police forces. These specialists will be trained to understand the unique risks associated with domestic violence cases. They will provide immediate guidance to call handlers and officers responding to domestic abuse incidents. This initiative aims to ensure a faster, more informed response, with a focus on assessing risk more accurately and intervening decisively in situations of imminent danger. By having trained specialists involved from the initial point of contact, the hope is to prevent similar tragedies and better support victims who face high-risk threats.
Raneem’s Law Could Halve Domestic Violence Towards Women & Girls
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has said:
“Today’s measures are the start of this Government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.”
The announcement emphasises a critical shift in the Government's approach to tackling domestic violence against women and girls. Raneem's Law shows a commitment to improving police response and an effort to build trust among victims of domestic abuse. By ensuring that those who report abuse are met with an informed and supportive response, the Government hopes to empower victims. Raneem’s Law make it easier for victims to seek help without fear of being ignored or sidelined.
Acknowledging the courage it takes for victims of domestic abuse to come forward, the Government’s plan should provide a lifeline for those who feel trapped in their situation. It is intended to provide victims with a greater sense of confidence that their concerns will be properly addressed from the first point of contact. With the knowledge that trained professionals are directly involved in managing domestic abuse calls, victims may feel more supported in reaching out for help. It is important that people know they are in capable hands and will be taken seriously.
By instilling more confidence in victims that their calls will be met with specialised, compassionate support, Raneem's Law aims to break down some of the barriers that prevent individuals from reporting abuse. This initiative represents a step toward a future where victims feel empowered to seek protection, secure in the knowledge that help is just a phone call away.
Domestic Violence Towards Women and Girls is a Significant Statistic
Supporting this shift, a report by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) revealed that serious crimes, including domestic abuse, impact one in 12 women in England and Wales. It underscores the prevalence and urgency of tackling these issues.
Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, the NPCC lead for Domestic Abuse, emphasised the substantial role domestic abuse plays in overall crime figures, stating:
“Domestic abuse... accounts for a significant proportion of police-recorded crime and [the police] are working hard to improve the way it responds to domestic abuse.”
This sentiment highlights that police forces are actively working to enhance the response to these complex cases by incorporating targeted expertise, such as through Raneem’s Law.
Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, has welcomed these proposals, noting that enhanced training and immediate specialist involvement could be pivotal in changing the way victims experience the reporting process. Jacobs recognises the importance of these measures in promoting a justice system that prioritises the needs and safety of those at risk.
Criminal Injury Claims and Domestic Abuse
Survivors of domestic abuse may be eligible for compensation through the Government-funded, Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICA).
The abuse must be reported to the police in order for the CICA to process a claim. In addition, there is a requirement to fully cooperate with the police and courts in bringing the assailant to justice.
Anyone seeking advice or information about a criminal injuries compensation scheme claim should contact a specialist legal advisor.
If you have suffered domestic abuse, you may be eligible for compensation. Talk to one of our specialists today on 0113 320 5000, or email @email for more information.
