From 6th July, domestic abuse 999 calls in Merseyside will be handled differently – with specialist support embedded directly at the point of contact.
From 6th July, domestic abuse 999 calls in Merseyside will be handled differently – with specialist support embedded directly at the point of contact.
For the first time, Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) will be based inside police control rooms, working alongside call handlers in real time. Their role is to help assess risk, guide decision-making and ensure victims receive the right support from the moment they reach out for help.
This is what the rollout of Raneem’s Law will look like in practice, and it represents a significant step forward in how domestic abuse is responded to locally.
What Raneem’s Law means in practice
Raneem’s Law is designed to strengthen the police response at the earliest and most critical stage: the emergency call.
In Merseyside, £120,000 of Home Office funding will enable two specialist advocates to sit within the 999 control room itself. Rather than being brought in later, they will support officers and call handlers as incidents unfold, helping to identify risk, inform safeguarding decisions and ensure victims are connected to the right support straight away.
The law is named in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, who were killed in 2018 after multiple reports to the police did not result in effective intervention.
Why early intervention matters
Domestic abuse is rarely straightforward. It often involves patterns of coercive or controlling behaviour that are not always obvious in a single phone call.
By embedding specialists directly into control rooms, police are better equipped to understand those patterns at the earliest possible moment. This allows for a more informed response and reduces the risk of cases escalating unchecked.
Hannah Jones, Associate Solicitor in the Family Law Team at Morecrofts, says the change could be particularly impactful: “The moment someone calls 999 is often the most dangerous point in an abusive situation. Having a specialist in the control room who understands the complexities of domestic abuse can make a real difference to how that situation is assessed and handled.”
Early evidence from pilot schemes has shown that this approach improves how risk is identified and strengthens safeguarding decisions from the outset.
What this means for victims
For victims, this shift is about getting the right help at the right time.
Instead of relying solely on a call handler’s initial interpretation, there is now access to specialist expertise immediately. That can lead to quicker, more tailored responses and better protection at a critical moment.
Hannah explains: “Too often, we see cases where risk hasn’t been fully recognised early on, and situations escalate as a result. Earlier intervention gives victims a better chance of accessing support sooner and, in some cases, avoiding further harm.”
The legal perspective
While this development strengthens the immediate response, legal support remains an essential part of protecting victims in the longer term.
Family solicitors are often instructed once situations have escalated, particularly where urgent action is needed through the courts or where there are concerns about children’s safety.
Hannah adds: “As solicitors, we frequently step in when matters have already reached crisis point. If this approach helps improve that initial response, it could reduce the need for emergency legal action in some cases and lead to better outcomes overall.”
At Morecrofts, the family law team supports clients with a wide range of issues arising from domestic abuse, including injunctions, child arrangements and complex financial matters following separation.