Daily overnight support for domestic abuse victims

Victims of domestic abuse can now get support every night following the success of a trial programme.

In Northamptonshire, specialist domestic abuse workers are now based in the police control room seven nights a week.

These specialists are part of Voice Northants and they work with 999 operators and officers to assess risks, advise police, and support domestic abuse victims from the moment they contact the police.

The increase follows new Home Office funding and aims to help victims get faster support while giving officers expert advice during incidents.

Det Supt Joe Banfield from Northamptonshire Police said: "We are proud to be shaping national policy in this area and are committed to improving our frontline response to domestic abuse using independent experts."

Northamptonshire Police was one of five forces chosen to test Raneem's Law in 2025.

The scheme was created after the deaths of Raneem Oudeh and her mother, Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Oudeh's former husband in Solihull, near Birmingham in 2018.

Figures from the pilot show that between February 2025 and January 2026, specialists made 214 domestic abuse referrals and gave advice to officers at incidents 246 times.

Danielle Stone, Northamptonshire's police, fire and crime commissioner, added: "We have seen first-hand what a difference having a domestic abuse specialist working in partnership with Police can make.

"Now, our officers have expert resource on hand for advice, who can provide help and emotional support at the very earliest moment to survivors."

Anyone suffering from domestic abuse should call 101 or, in an emergency, call 999.

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