![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
Police forces and campaigners across the country have been recognised for their commitment and determination to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).
At an event in central London yesterday, police forces, campaigners, ambassadors, charities and support organisations came together with police chiefs and the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips, to recognise the pioneering work happening across policing to make communities safer for women and girls.
The awards also recognise the work that forces are undertaking to radically change the way they investigate rape and serious sexual offences, known as Operation Soteria. Under Soteria, which was implemented across all forces in England and Wales in July last year, policing is working to deliver sustainable improvements to procedural and outcome justice for victims of rape ad serious sexual offences.
Award winners ranged from individuals creating culture change and improved professional standards in their police force, through to valuable police work in schools to raise awareness of VAWG and misogyny to inspire future generations.
Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for violence against women and girls, said, “Policing is on an important journey to transform the way it tackles violence against women and girls, and we have made fundamental changes to improve the way we investigate and record crimes and support victims throughout the process.
“I am incredibly proud of the individuals, teams and forces across the country working hard to make a real difference to the lives and safety of women and girls.
“The passion and dedication of those recognised today shows that there is hope, there are green shoots of change, and there is so much more we can do to work together across the board to create a society where victims are heard, supported and protected, and where perpetrators can no longer inflict harm on others.
“On a personal note, I am heartened by the work forces are doing to turn the tide on VAWG, there is real opportunity and determination to get our response right for victims and women and girls. We must grasp it.”
Check out the NPCC website for more details on those recognised.
The industry will once again be gathering at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co located with The Emergency Tech Show on 18-19 September. Check out the full exhibitor list here.
Join us at the Policing Stage tomorrow to hear about the Prevent Violence against Women and Girls and Domestic Abuse – the City of London Consortium Initiative. The panel discussion will outline the current issues and initiatives being taken to prevent violence against women and girls and domestic abuse.