The UK government is stepping up its efforts to combat violence against women and girls, with new measures aimed at transforming how domestic abuse is handled.
Led by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the initiative focuses on immediate police response improvements and long-term legislative changes, such as the introduction of “Raneem’s Law.”
Tackling Violence with Urgent New Initiatives
In an era where one domestic abuse-related offence is recorded every hour on average in the UK, these measures couldn’t be more timely.
“Raneem’s Law,” named after Raneem Oudeh, who tragically lost her life alongside her mother due to repeated failures in police response, aims to ensure no cry for help goes unheard again.
Starting in early 2025, domestic abuse specialists will work within 999 control rooms across select police forces, conducting immediate risk assessments and advising on-the-ground officers.
This initiative is expected to significantly speed up response times, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stating,
“Our mission is to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, and today is just one step of many towards tangible and long-lasting change.”
Additionally, a pilot scheme will introduce new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), designed to impose stricter sanctions on perpetrators.
These orders will replace the 28-day maximum protection limit currently in place and include measures such as electronic tagging and mandatory behaviour assessments. Breaching a DAPO could result in a prison sentence of up to five years.
The Role of “Raneem’s Law”
“Raneem’s Law” is not just a legislative tool but a deeply personal mission for those affected by domestic abuse.
Raneem Oudeh’s aunt, Nour Norris, who has been a tireless campaigner for change, expressed her relief and pride, saying:
“Raneem’s Law will ensure that domestic abuse specialists are present in 999 control rooms so victims’ calls for help are taken seriously.”
The law will require police forces to follow national guidance, ensuring that specialists are available to provide critical support to victims and offer immediate advice to officers handling domestic abuse situations.
New Protection Orders: A Broader Safety Net
Alongside the introduction of “Raneem’s Law,” the government is piloting new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs). These orders are set to give police and courts more power to protect victims.
With these in place, domestic abuse offenders will face stricter controls, including:
- Electronic tagging
- Mandatory behaviour assessments
- Continuous police monitoring of name and address changes
- No fixed duration for the protection orders
The table below highlights the new measures included in the Domestic Abuse Protection Orders compared to current protection limits:
Current Protection |
New Domestic Abuse Protection Orders |
|---|---|
| Max 28 days of protection | No maximum duration |
| No electronic tagging | Mandatory electronic tagging |
| Perpetrators not tracked | Continuous police monitoring |
These new orders will apply not only to the police and criminal courts but also to family courts and third parties like local authorities. Victims will also have the right to apply for these orders directly.
A National Commitment to Safety
The measures announced reflect the government’s dedication to using every available resource to tackle domestic abuse. From educating children in schools about healthy relationships to embedding abuse specialists in emergency control rooms, the initiative is both preventative and responsive.
Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs applauded these steps, stating:
“It is estimated that the police receive a call about domestic abuse every 30 seconds. Emergency call handlers must be equipped to respond with the understanding and urgency that is needed to keep victims safe.”
The Safer Streets Mission Board will coordinate the government’s long-term strategy, focusing all branches of government on halving violence against women and girls by 2035.
A Critical Turning Point
These new measures mark a turning point in the UK’s approach to tackling violence against women and girls.
The government is embedding specialists into the front line of police response and strengthening domestic abuse laws to restore public confidence, hear, support, and protect victims.
In addition, this multifaceted approach will help to address the root causes of domestic abuse and provide a safer environment for those affected. Consequently, with “Raneem’s Law” and new protection orders, the future looks promising for those affected by domestic abuse, offering them greater security and hope.
Moreover, these legislative changes will help to shift the focus from victim support to prevention and perpetrator accountability, ultimately creating a safer society for all.
The broader mission to take back our streets is gaining momentum, but as Yvette Cooper emphasised, it will take sustained, collective effort across the UK to bring about lasting change.
Sources: THX News, Home Office, Jess Phillips MP & The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP.
