Domestic Abuse Act Solicitors For Domestic Violence Allegations

Raneem’s Law

The Home Secretary has announced a new initiative to strengthen protection for victims of domestic abuse, as part of the government's broader goal to reduce violence against women and girls by 50% over the next decade. The key element of the plan is embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms to ensure victims' calls for help are prioritized and handled swiftly. With nearly 100 domestic abuse-related crimes recorded every hour last year, this initiative aims to improve response times and provide immediate support for victims.

Named after Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were tragically murdered in 2018, ‘Raneem’s Law’ ensures that no call for help is ignored. Despite multiple reports to the police about Raneem's safety, no action was taken before her death. The new law mandates that domestic abuse experts will assist in assessing risks and guiding officers on the ground, ensuring victims receive the right support without delay.

Starting in 2025, the initiative will be piloted in select police forces, alongside the introduction of stronger protective measures. These will include extended domestic abuse protection orders, electronic tagging for perpetrators, and the legal requirement for abusers to report any changes in their details. Breaching these orders will result in criminal penalties.

The government has also committed to a cross-agency approach, focusing on prevention through education and stronger enforcement. Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding, highlighted that these measures are crucial for better protecting victims and improving the police's response to domestic abuse. Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs expressed her support, noting that the initiative is a vital step toward safeguarding victims and reducing the harm caused by perpetrators.

This package of reforms represents the government's commitment to a more effective, coordinated response to domestic abuse.

At JD Spicer Zeb, our specialist criminal defence solicitors have over 45 years of experience in handling the most complex cases, cases concerning domestic violence. We have used such specialist knowledge to produce this guide. No matter your circumstances, your case is important to us, because it is important to you.

DAPO

For the first time, comprehensive protection will be available to victims of all forms of domestic abuse, including physical, psychological, stalking, and coercive control. The introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders, enforceable across family, civil, and criminal courts, will ensure that more offenders are subjected to strict legal measures.

The new initiative will begin in Greater Manchester, three London boroughs, and with the British Transport Police, before expanding to Cleveland and North Wales in early 2025, ahead of a nationwide rollout.

Domestic Abuse Protection Notices can be issued by the police immediately after an incident of abuse, offering immediate protection while giving law enforcement the opportunity to apply for a longer-term Domestic Abuse Protection Order. This ensures that victims are safeguarded while the legal process continues.

Unlike current protections that last up to 28 days, the new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders have no time limit, ensuring ongoing safety for victims. Any violation of the order will result in a criminal charge, with a maximum sentence of five years in prison, reinforcing the consequences for those who breach the rules.

In a change aimed at reducing the burden on victims, friends, family, or the police can now apply for these orders on the victim's behalf, removing some of the stress and complexity for those who may find engaging with the criminal justice system overwhelming.

These orders can also impose exclusion zones and require offenders to participate in behaviour change programs, adding further layers of protection and intervention. For the first time, family courts will have the authority to impose tagging in the most severe cases, a power previously reserved for criminal courts and the police.

This announcement marks another significant step in the government's commitment to reducing violence against women and girls by half within the next decade.

JD Spicer Zeb has a wealth of expertise in domestic violence cases. 

Please see our domestic violence webpage for further information on how to instruct us.

We know how difficult it can be to discuss allegations of domestic violence due to the sensitive topics that such cases touch upon, including familial relationships.

Our specialist team of domestic violence solicitors can provide you with the guidance required to navigate a case concerning domestic violence.

With decades of experience in domestic violence cases, you can rest assured that our advice can provide you with the outcome you need. Please also be advised that we treat all cases with the highest level of confidentiality.