Cheshire Constabulary’s Harm Reduction Unit has won a national award for its work tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG).
The National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP) held their annual recognition event on Tuesday 27 January.
It was attended by more than 100 people to celebrate the winners and runners up in six categories, which included: improving police culture, making spaces safer and keeping vulnerable people and communities safe.
The Harm Reduction Unit (HRU) was named winner in the collaborative working leading to victim-centred investigations category.
The HRU has transformed the policing response to stalking through a pioneering, victim-centred model that shifts the burden from victims to perpetrators.
Its approach has delivered outstanding results with the highest charge rate for stalking and harassment nationally, a 98% conviction rate for cases reaching court, and a huge increase in Stalking Protection Orders – from one every 39 days to one per week.
The HRU also secured the longest stalking sentence in UK history. Victims describe the service as “life-changing” and “life-saving,” reflecting a culture where safety and dignity are paramount.
Cheshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Carlos Brunes said:
“We are extremely proud of the Harm Reduction Unit and the work the team continue to do to keep vulnerable people safe across Cheshire.
“Protecting victims is at the forefront of the unit’s mind from the start of any investigation, and the results we are seeing and the winning of this award is a credit to the team’s success in doing this.
“Working with partners including the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and the Probation Service is also crucial to this success.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap KPM, Director at the NCVPP, said: “It’s been an honour to award these brilliant police officers, staff, volunteers and partners.
“Hearing the inspirational citations about their work, which tackles violence against women and girls and protects the public, reminds us all of the importance of the task we are undertaking and the great work that is already happening across the country that we can build on.
All winning entries had to demonstrate how they built innovation into their activity, how their approach was victim-centred and the impact it has had, and will continue to have, in tackling violence against women and girls and keeping the public safe.
Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, was a guest speaker at the event and added: “A woman is killed by a man on average every three days in the UK. That’s why the work of the police is so vital to tackle abusers and protect victims from harm.
“These awards celebrate officers who refuse to look away from that reality, so thank you to all those officers who dedicate their lives to protecting the public.”
