North Wales Police has strengthened its response to victims of domestic abuse by embedding a dedicated specialist within its Force Communications Centre.
The new role forms part of the UK government’s expansion of Raneem’s Law, a national initiative that places specialist domestic abuse advisors within police control rooms to improve the response to victims from the moment they contact the police.
The specialist will work alongside call handlers and dispatch staff, providing expert advice and guidance during live incidents, supporting risk assessments, and helping ensure victims receive the most appropriate safeguarding and support at the earliest opportunity.
By bringing specialist expertise into the FCC, North Wales Police aims to enhance decision-making during emergency and non-emergency calls relating to domestic abuse, improve the identification of high-risk cases, and strengthen links with partner agencies and specialist support agencies.
The appointment reflects the force’s ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable people and continually improving the service provided to victims of domestic abuse.
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.”
Raneem’s Law was established in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, who were murdered in 2018 after repeated calls to police for help.
The initiative was developed following recommendations aimed at improving the police response to domestic abuse and ensuring specialist advice is available within control rooms where critical decisions are made.
North Wales Police is one of 12 additional forces across England and Wales to receive funding through the latest phase of the programme, further expanding the national network of embedded domestic abuse specialists.
