UK Launches Comprehensive Strategy to Protect Women and Girls from Violence

UK Launches New Initiative Against Gender-Based Violence

“This initiative is set to be piloted in selected police forces starting early 2025...”

Discover how the UK's comprehensive strategy tackles domestic abuse, protecting victims and holding offenders accountable. Learn about the key initiatives and services supporting women and girls.

The UK Home Office has taken a significant step towards protecting victims of violence against women and girls with the introduction of “Raneem's Law.” This new initiative aims to tackle the growing issue of domestic abuse, and it's part of the government's ambitious plan to reduce such violence by half over the next decade

.

Key Measures of Raneem's Law

Domestic Abuse Specialists in Emergency Call Centers: Trained experts will be embedded in 999 control rooms to provide immediate support to victims, ensuring calls for help are treated with urgency and seriousness.

Tougher Sanctions for Perpetrators: Domestic abuse protection orders will be piloted, enabling police to manage risk more effectively and imposing electronic tagging and behavior change programs on perpetrators.

Increased Protection for Victims: The new orders will have no maximum duration, and victims will be able to apply directly for protection.

The law is named after Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, who were tragically murdered by Raneem's ex-husband in 2018, despite 13 reports to the police about concerns for Raneem's safety. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that victims of domestic abuse need to know the police will be there for them, and this new law is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.

A Comprehensive Approach

The government's strategy also includes educating children about healthy relationships, respect, and consent, as well as supporting schools and educational institutions in teaching these critical life skills. By addressing the root causes of violence and providing effective support to victims, the UK aims to create a safer, more inclusive society for women and girls.

The tragic case of Raneem Oudeh, a 22-year-old woman who was brutally murdered by her ex-husband in 2018, has led to significant reforms in the UK's response to domestic violence. Despite Raneem's multiple pleas for help, including over 13 alerts to the police and four desperate 999 calls on the night of her murder, the system failed to protect her. This heartbreaking incident has prompted the government to introduce “Raneem's Law,” a legislation aimed at improving the police response to domestic abuse.

Raneem's story is a devastating reminder of the failures of the system. She had repeatedly reported her ex-husband's violent behavior, including threats to kill her and stalking, but her cries for help were largely ignored. On the fateful night, Raneem called 999 four times, but the police failed to arrive in time, and she was tragically stabbed to death along with her mother, Khaola Saleem.

The introduction of Raneem's Law is a crucial step towards preventing such tragedies in the future. The law aims to provide better support for victims of domestic abuse, including specialized training for police officers and more effective response systems. This legislation is a testament to Raneem's family's tireless efforts to ensure that no one else suffers the same fate.

Key Provisions of Raneem's Law

Improved Police Response: Enhanced training for police officers to recognize and respond to domestic abuse cases

Specialized Support: Trained domestic abuse specialists will be embedded in emergency call centers

Tougher Sanctions: Increased penalties for perpetrators of domestic abuse

These reforms are a vital step towards creating a safer society for women and girls. Raneem's Law serves as a reminder that we must do better to protect those who need our help the most.

The UK government has taken a significant step in protecting victims of domestic abuse with its new law, “Raneem's Law.” This legislation ensures that domestic abuse specialists will be stationed in 999 control rooms to prioritize and handle emergency calls with the urgency they deserve. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the importance of prompt and expert responses, stating, “victims of appalling domestic abuse need to know that the police will be there for them.”

The new law is named after Raneem Oudeh, a 22-year-old woman who was tragically murdered by her ex-husband in 2018 despite repeated calls to 999. This heartbreaking incident highlighted the need for systemic change in handling domestic abuse cases. With Raneem's Law, the government aims to provide better support for victims and prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

Key Provisions of Raneem's Law

Specialized Support: Domestic abuse specialists will be embedded in 999 control rooms to provide expert assistance.

Prompt Responses: Emergency calls will be prioritized to ensure timely intervention.

Increased Protection: The law aims to reduce violence against women and girls by half over the next decade.

As Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper oversees the implementation of this law, ensuring that victims receive the protection they need. This move demonstrates the UK government's commitment to tackling domestic abuse and providing a safer environment for those affected.

Today's measures are a crucial part of a broader initiative to combat violence against women and girls, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address this pervasive issue. This larger effort prioritizes prevention, support for victims, and accountability for perpetrators, recognizing that everyone has a role to play in tackling domestic abuse - from healthcare and education to law enforcement and community services.

The initiative focuses on four key pillars: 

Prioritizing Prevention, which includes educating children about healthy relationships; 

Supporting Victims, with a package of support services and funding for community-based programs; 

Pursuing Perpetrators, through electronic monitoring and interventions; and 

A Stronger System, promoting coordination and collaboration among agencies.

The UK's holistic approach to combating domestic abuse focuses on addressing the root causes of violence and providing critical support services to victims, thereby creating a safe and protective ecosystem for women and girls to thrive, free from abuse and exploitation.

“This initiative is set to be piloted in selected police forces starting early 2025.

“With nearly 100 domestic abuse-related offences recorded every hour last year, the need for effective intervention has never been more urgent.

“The government plans to leverage advanced technology, including rapid video responses to enhance police efficiency in handling these cases,” she added.

Nour Norris, the lead campaigner and Raneem's aunt, is overjoyed with the progress made so far, saying her world fell apart six years ago when she lost her niece and sister to domestic violenc. Despite the devastating loss, she's proud that the government has listened and acted swiftly to turn “Raneem's Law” into a reality, ensuring domestic abuse specialists will be present in 999 control rooms to take victims' calls seriously and save lives.

This new law amplifies Nour's tireless efforts to improve outcomes for domestic abuse victims, which began as a quest for justice for her family and grew into a mission to protect others.

The groundbreaking law, known as “Raneem's Law,” is poised to revolutionize the way domestic abuse cases are handled, transforming lives and preventing future tragedies. By embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms, warning signs will no longer be ignored, and victims will receive the urgent support they need. This law is a testament to the tireless efforts of campaigners like Nour Norris, who lost her niece and sister to domestic violence.

The law also introduces a pilot program for domestic abuse protection orders, rolling out in November. These orders will require perpetrators to stay away from their victims, with stricter penalties for breaches, including up to five years in prison. This move marks a significant shift in tackling domestic abuse, ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.

Key Provisions of Raneem's Law:

Specialized Support: Domestic abuse specialists will be embedded in 999 control rooms to provide expert assistance.

Domestic Abuse Protection Orders: Perpetrators will be required to stay away from victims, with stricter penalties for breaches.

Stricter Penalties: Breaches will carry sentences of up to five years in prison.

These measures demonstrate the government's commitment to tackling domestic abuse and protecting victims. With Raneem's Law, the UK is taking a crucial step towards creating a safer environment for women and girls.

The UK government has taken a significant step forward in protecting victims of domestic abuse with the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Protection Order. This initiative will empower local authorities, charities, and even victims themselves to seek protection, ensuring they receive the support they deserve. Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips emphasized that victims have been left vulnerable for far too long, and this measure marks a crucial advancement in safeguarding their well-being.

The Domestic Abuse Protection Order is a game-changer, replacing existing Domestic Violence Protection Orders and providing more comprehensive protection for victims. This order allows courts to impose tailored requirements to safeguard victims, making it a more effective and flexible solution. What's more, breach of this order will be considered a criminal offense, further strengthening the protection afforded to victims.

Key Benefits of the Domestic Abuse Protection Order

Broader Eligibility: Local authorities, charities, and victims can apply for protection

Tailored Protection: Courts can impose specific requirements to safeguard victims

Criminal Offense: Breach of the order is punishable by law

Replacement of Existing Orders: Streamlines protection for victims, eliminating the need for multiple orders

With this new order, the UK government aims to create a safer environment for victims of domestic abuse, ensuring they receive the protection and support they need to rebuild their lives.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips stresses the importance of working closely with domestic abuse survivors to create policies that genuinely improve their lives. This collaboration is crucial in developing effective solutions, especially considering the limitations of current protections which only last 28 days. The new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) address this issue, providing flexible, longer-term protection without time limits.

DAPOs will cover all forms of domestic abuse, including physical violence, stalking, coercive behavior, and economic abuse. This comprehensive approach ensures victims receive tailored support, with courts able to impose various requirements and restrictions on perpetrators. These may include attending perpetrator behavior change programs, electronic monitoring, and mandatory notification to the police.

Key Benefits of DAPOs:

Flexible Duration: No minimum or maximum duration, allowing victims to receive protection for as long as needed

Comprehensive Protection: Covers all forms of domestic abuse, including physical, emotional, and economic abuse

Tailored Support: Courts can impose specific requirements and restrictions on perpetrators

Electronic Monitoring: Enables tracking of perpetrators to ensure compliance.

By implementing DAPOs, the government aims to establish a robust framework for protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. This move marks a significant step forward in tackling domestic abuse and ensuring victims receive the support they deserve.

Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs welcomed the new measures, highlighting the alarming frequency of domestic abuse incidents reported to the police – a staggering one every 30 seconds. This disturbing statistic underscores the urgent need for robust protections and support systems.

“Today's developments mark significant progress in tackling domestic abuse,“ Jacobs said. “The introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders and specialized support in 999 control rooms will help transform the response to victims. We must continue to prioritize their safety and well-being.”

Jacobs emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between government agencies, charities, and survivors to drive meaningful change and reduce the devastating impact of domestic abuse.

Key Statistics:

• 1 domestic abuse incident reported to police every 30 seconds
• Over 2 million adults experience domestic abuse annually
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime

The Domestic Abuse Protection Orders and enhanced emergency response measures aim to address these startling figures, providing hope for a safer future for victims and survivors.

She said, “Emergency call handlers must be equipped to respond with the understanding and urgency needed to keep victims safe.

“Reinforcing the necessity for trained professionals in control rooms.”

Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, National Police Chiefs' Council lead for Domestic Abuse, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted strategy to tackle domestic abuse.

“We must address domestic abuse from all angles,” Rolfe stated. 

“This includes prevention, early intervention, and robust enforcement. The introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders and specialized support in 999 control rooms marks significant progress, he added.

Rolfe highlighted the importance of:

1. Prevention: Educating communities and changing attitudes
2. Early Intervention: Identifying and supporting victims early
3. Robust Enforcement: Holding perpetrators accountable

“By working together, we can create a safer environment for victims and survivors, and ultimately reduce the devastating impact of domestic abuse.”

Key Actions:

• Enhance training for police officers and call handlers
• Improve information sharing and collaboration between agencies
• Increase support for victims and survivors
• Hold perpetrators accountable through effective enforcement

Through this comprehensive approach, the police and partner agencies aim to transform the response to domestic abuse, providing better protection and support for those affected.

Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between the government and law enforcement in safeguarding victims. This cooperative approach is a cornerstone of the UK government's Safer Streets Mission, aimed at reclaiming public spaces and fostering trust in law enforcement and the justice system.

The government is committed to tackling the root causes of violence and providing educational programs that promote respect and healthy relationships among children. This comprehensive strategy includes initiatives to change attitudes and behaviors, particularly in the context of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Key Initiatives:

Prevention Programs: Funding for community-led projects, such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes, to prevent crime and encourage reporting of suspicious activities

Educational Programs: Teaching children about respect, healthy relationships, and consent to prevent future instances of domestic abuse and violence

Community Engagement: Working with local businesses, especially in the night-time economy, to raise awareness about VAWG and promote safe environments 

Support Services: Providing resources and support for victims of domestic abuse, stalking, and other forms of violence 

By adopting a multifaceted approach, the UK government hopes to create safer communities, support victims, and prevent violence.

The UK government has made a significant commitment to protecting domestic abuse victims and holding offenders accountable with today's new measures. This marks a crucial step in the country's ambitious mission to eliminate violence against women and girls. Advocates and officials are optimistic that these changes will bring about real improvements, ensuring that no one suffers in silence.

The comprehensive approach includes the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which provides a statutory definition of domestic abuse, new powers for the police, and protections for victims. Additionally, the Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy focuses on prevention, supporting victims, and pursuing perpetrators. Key initiatives include a national communications campaign, investment in prevention measures, and improved support for teachers to deliver relationships and sex education.

With these measures in place, the UK is taking a significant stride towards creating a safer environment for women and girls. By addressing the root causes of violence and providing support to those affected, the government aims to reduce the devastating impact of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.