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Cheshire Constabulary’s Harm Reduction Unit (HRU) has won a national award in recognition of its pioneering work to protect victims of violence against women and girls.
The honour was presented at the annual recognition event hosted by the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection on 27 January. More than 100 guests attended the ceremony, which celebrated achievements across six categories including improving police culture, making public spaces safer and protecting vulnerable communities.
Cheshire’s HRU was named winner in the category for collaborative working leading to victim-centred investigations.
Victim-centred approach delivers results
The unit has transformed the force’s response to stalking by adopting a model that shifts the focus from victims to perpetrators. The approach has produced some of the strongest outcomes in the country, including the highest national charge rate for stalking and harassment and a 98% conviction rate for cases reaching court.
Use of Stalking Protection Orders has also risen sharply, from one every 39 days to one per week, while the unit secured the longest stalking sentence in UK history. Victims have described the service as “life-changing” and “life-saving”.
Assistant Chief Constable Carlos Brunes said the award reflected the dedication of the team. “We are extremely proud of the Harm Reduction Unit and the work the team continue to do to keep vulnerable people safe across Cheshire,” he said.
“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.”
Assistant Chief Constable Carlos Brunes.
He added that partnership working had been vital, highlighting support from Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and the Probation Service.
The award marks the latest recognition for the unit’s innovative approach, which is increasingly being viewed as a model for forces across the country seeking to strengthen their response to stalking and harassment.
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