Under the new plans, domestic abuse specialists will be embedded in 999 control rooms to ensure calls are treated with the urgency needed and that specialist support and knowledge are available straight away.

This is part of the Government’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade, with pilot schemes launching in 2025. Commissioner Grunshaw has backed this move and is writing to the Home Secretary to highlight the work already happening in Lancashire and how this can be strengthened through these new proposals.

The announcement forms part of ‘Raneem’s Law’, in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband in 2018.

Mr Grunshaw said:

“Anything we can do to protect the victims of domestic abuse and to bring offenders to justice can only be a positive step. The plans to embed domestic abuse specialists in police control rooms will have a positive impact on the experience of women and girls in Lancashire who report abuse and will ultimately help to keep them safe.

“Perpetrators of domestic abuse and sexual violence should have no place to hide and this, alongside improving outcomes for victims, are key steps we need to take to build trust, encourage people to come forward and put offenders behind bars.

“I am writing to the Home Secretary to pledge my support, to offer to work with the Home Office on this key agenda, and see how in Lancashire we can support in delivering the Government’s aim to halve violence against women in the next decade.

“It is only by working together through strong leadership and efficient policing that we will make Lancashire a safer place.”