Raneem's Law: How One Family's Loss Is Changing 999 Forever

In August 2018, Raneem Uday and her mother Khaula Saleem were murdered in the West Midlands despite multiple 999 calls made that night. The system failed them — not through a single act of negligence, but through structural gaps in how those calls were handled and risk was assessed.

What followed is a study in what grief becomes when it meets determination. Raneem's aunt, Nour Norris, campaigned for what is now Raneem's Law — a programme embedding domestic abuse specialists directly inside 999 control rooms, in real time. Not on a phone line. Not available for consultation. In the room.

Phase one launched across five police forces. This week, the government announced phase two: 12 additional forces, bringing the total to 17 of 43, with a full rollout across England and Wales committed by 2029. Early data shows increased handler confidence, earlier identification of high-risk cases, and faster safeguarding deployment.

This episode also covers the government's broader Violence Against Women and Girls strategy — over £1 billion over three years, targeting a halving of VAWG within a decade — and what it will take for that target to hold across political cycles, funding changes, and cultural shifts.

Helpline signposting for show notes:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): 0808 2000 247 — free, confidential, 24/7

Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

Karma Nirvana (honour-based abuse/forced marriage): 0800 599 9247

Galop (LGBT+): galop.org.uk

The Marvyn Harrison Podcast: culture, identity and fatherhood, hosted by the founder of Dope Black Dads.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarvynHarrison

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-marvyn-harrison-podcast/id1456522027