'Taking 999 abuse calls seriously can save lives'

A domestic abuse survivor said the expansion of Raneem's Law, which embeds specialists in police control rooms, could potentially save lives.

Linda Huskisson, from Peterborough, is an abuse survivor and founder of Living Keys, a charity that supports victims of abuse from across the city and Fenland.

She welcomed the scheme's rollout this week within Cambridgeshire Police, but stressed that 999 call handlers and officers must all receive appropriate training and that they take victims seriously.

She said: "It's a good thing that Cambridgeshire Police have got that now. But, I want to see results, because it is about protection and safeguarding that person when they're making that 999 call."

Raneem's Law is named after Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Raneem's ex-husband in 2018 despite Raneem making multiple 999 calls to police - who failed to turn up.

The law was introduced to improve how police respond to domestic abuse by placing specialist advisers in control rooms to help protect victims more quickly.

Cambridgeshire Police is among 12 forces involved in the expansion of the pilot which will bring the total number of police forces taking part to 17.

Four Domestic Abuse Proactive Support Specialists (DAPSS) will work in the control room to provide immediate support to victims and advice to officers when responding to incidents.

The force hopes it will help to ensure opportunities to safeguard victims are not missed.

Huskisson, who overcame years of abuse and homelessness, said it is her passion to support women experiencing domestic abuse because she knows "the fear, isolation, and trauma of living through it".

She set up the charity in 2021 and said the demand has been rising, with nearly 650 women supported so far.

It offers courses, workshops and a safe place to be able to socialise and "feel heard with love and acceptance".

"I was in domestic abuse from the age of 17. A naieve young girl getting into a relationship with an abuser.

"From that I ended up in another abusive relationship and had to escape that as well. There was no support out there except Refuge [domestic abuse charity] or if you've got children which I did have, then it's social services. It was a really tough time," she added.

"It's lovely to be able to support and to empower the women and see them pull through."

She said despite some progress, more needed to be done to help vulnerable women.

Huskisson welcomed the scheme, which is expected to be in place until March 2027.

She called for every domestic abuse report and 999 call to be taken "seriously" and acted on quickly.

"They [Raneem and her mother] were never taken seriously and so you know these mistakes happen," she said.

"I feel there are still people in the forces that believe 'oh it's just a domestic she'll end up going back with him'.

"The 999 calls need to be responded to very quickly - you don't know what's going on with that woman.

"I've come across too many of them [victims]. And they don't feel that they're believed."

Amanda Geraghty who runs Peterborough Women's Aid, said: "Too many victims have not been believed, have experienced inconsistent responses, or have faced delays when seeking help.

"To make a real difference, Raneem's Law must be backed by sustained investment in specialist domestic abuse services so there is aftercare for victims of abuse in Peterborough.

"Survivors need confidence that when they reach out for help, they will be listened to, believed and protected."

She added: "The tragic deaths of Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, highlight the devastating consequences of missed opportunities to intervene. We hope this reform will help prevent similar tragedies."

Supt Nick Church, from Cambridgeshire Police, called it "an important step" in the force's response to domestic abuse.

He said: "We know it can be incredibly difficult for people experiencing domestic abuse to reach out.

"This approach helps ensure that when they do, they are met with the right support at the earliest possible moment, with their safety at the centre of everything we do."

Do you have a story suggestion for Peterborough? Contact us below.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.