Police force strengthens domestic abuse response with new specialist role
Nation.Cymru staff
A specialist domestic abuse adviser is being placed inside a Welsh police control room to help officers assess risks and protect victims from the moment they call for help.
North Wales Police is introducing the role at its Force Communications Centre as part of the expansion of Raneem’s Law, a UK Government initiative aimed at improving the police response to domestic abuse.
The specialist will work alongside call handlers and dispatch staff during live incidents, providing advice on risk assessments and helping ensure victims receive appropriate safeguarding and support.
Police say having specialist expertise available in the control room should also help identify high-risk cases earlier and strengthen links with support services and other agencies.
North Wales Police is one of 12 additional forces across England and Wales to receive funding through the latest phase of the programme.
Raneem’s Law was established in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, who were murdered in 2018 after Raneem repeatedly contacted police seeking help.
The initiative was developed following recommendations to improve how police respond to domestic abuse and make specialist advice available in control rooms where decisions about incidents are made.
DCI Zoie Dunkerley said: “We welcome the opportunity to be part of the next phase of Raneem’s Law. Embedding a domestic abuse specialist within our Force Communications Centre will strengthen our response to victims at the very first point of contact.
“Domestic abuse can have devastating and lifelong consequences, and we know that the first conversation with the police is often one of the most important.
“Having specialist expertise immediately available will help us better assess risk, provide the right support from the outset, and ensure victims receive the safeguarding they need as quickly as possible.
“This initiative complements the work we already do with our partners across North Wales to protect those at risk, hold offenders to account, and give victims the confidence to come forward.”
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