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Winner of Women in Policing

Award 2021 dedicates title to

domestic abuse victims

A former victim of domestic violence has
received the Outstanding Contribution to
Women in Policing Award 2021 having
shared her own experience to help others.
Chief inspector Sharon Baker at Avon
and Somerset Police accepted the award
during this year’s annual national Federation
conference.
Ch Insp Baker said she was accepting it
on behalf of all the victims who were still
suffering.
“I hope this award shines the light on
the darkness and shows you that you’re not
alone,” she added.
Ch Insp Baker clinched the title for her
outstanding work around domestic violence,
including a powerful video she made sharing
her own story of living in a controlling and
abusive relationship.
The video, which has been viewed by
thousands, calls on other victims to open up
about their abuse, urging them to find help Chief Inspector Sharon Baker.
and support as soon as possible. continued Ch Insp Baker, who explained Dick, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said
“It’s such an honour to have even been that victims of domestic abuse were she was ‘absolutely delighted’ to be
considered for the award,” she said, adding: everywhere. recognising ‘outstanding women’ in the
“I still can’t believe it.” “There’s no them, there’s only us. They police service.
Ch Insp Baker said the work she had are our crew mates, our bosses and the “It’s been a tough year for everyone,” she
done has only been possible because of the people on the other end of the phone. said, “It’s been a year of challenges but also
help she has received from so many others. “This award is really for the victims who great achievements. Within every rank and
“I’ll be forever grateful that I was are still suffering.” role, women have played a huge part in the
believed, listened to and cared for,” Introducing the award, Dame Cressida policing this year.”
Brave officers recognised

Police Bravery Award nominees were incredible acts of bravery.”
recognised during this year’s conference. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020
The Police Bravery Awards 2020 ceremony was postponed multiple times
ceremony was postponed due to the but will hopefully be taking place this
ongoing pandemic but is hopefully set to October.
take place later this year. During the conference, the 2021 event,
TV’s Mark Durden-Smith, who presents which is set to take place in December and
the annual Police Bravery Awards, hosted a with nominees yet to be revealed, was
segment during the first day of conference. referenced.
“Every year, we hear about the awe- “There are so many wows when it comes
inspiring actions of these officers,” he said, to the Police Bravery Awards,” Mark added,
“These awards are a chance to give these “And it’s not just the nominees we should
people a deserved pat on the back, to recognise. It’s all serving officers who put
honour the bravest men and women who their lives on the line to protect the public.
serve our communities. “Thank you for all you do for us. I look
“Everyone in that room is left in awe of forward to hopefully seeing you later this
these officers, who continue to show year.” TV’s Mark Durden-Smith.

www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2021 17