Officers nominated for national VAWG prevention award

Officers from our Stoke south local policing team have been nominated for a national award in recognition of their work to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Inspector Rebecca Price, PCSO Jane Lawlor and PCSO Claire Tench are due to find out later this month (May 2026) whether they have been shortlisted for the Frontline Service Award, as part of the national VAWG prevention awards.

It comes as the women have been instrumental in a number of initiatives, including:

• creating and implementing Behind the Mask campaign, a bespoke project aimed at tackling domestic abuse through early identification and community empowerment. This free, online training programme was specifically designed for hair and beauty professionals, who often develop trusting relationships with clients and are uniquely placed to notice signs of abuse.
• coordinating the Into the Darkness walk, a community-led initiative designed to reclaim public spaces for women and girls. This night-time walk from Bennett’s Precinct to Stoke Minster was supported by residents, councillors, and businesses. It sent a powerful message that women should feel safe walking alone at night
• hosting Coffee, Cake & Courage events in Stoke-on-Trent, where difficult but vital conversations could take place. The officers, along with community partners and attendees spoke openly about the very real and prevalent threat of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic abuse and the support available for anyone experiencing it
• hosting the In Her Shoes art exhibition; a project designed to provide a safe, expressive space for female victims of violence and abuse and those who walk alongside them, to explore the complex themes of vulnerability, strength, and resilience through visual art
• regularly attending local schools to deliver talks, safety sessions, and drop-in surgeries to reinforce the importance of early intervention and community empowerment.

The awards, which celebrate leadership, courage and change made by individuals and organisations and recognise courage, innovation, and commitment in tackling gender-based violence.

If shortlisted, the team will attend the national ceremony due to take place at The Speaker’s House in Westminster on Monday 22 June.

Speaking of the nomination, Inspector Price said: “Whether we get shortlisted or not, we are committed to doing everything in our power, every single day, to tackle VAWG, support victims and ultimately, help save lives. 

“We are not just policing a community; we are part of one, and these projects have really enabled us to recognise and build on that- increasing awareness, improving reporting pathways and providing potentially life-saving support to vulnerable women.”

Superintendent Victoria Downing, who was involved in the nomination process, said: “The team have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to their roles, with a clear passion for safeguarding and empowering women and girls.

“Their creativity, leadership, and relentless commitment to making Stoke-on-Trent a safer, stronger city makes them exceptional ambassadors for Staffordshire Police.

“I know that, regardless of whether they are shortlisted, they will continue to run these types of projects and collaborative community initiatives, not only to respond to violence when it happens, but to prevent it, so that the next generation of women and girls can grow up free from fear.”

To find out more about the awards, visit: Prevention of VAWG Awards.

For more information on how to report domestic abuse or violence, including support services available, see: Report domestic abuse | Staffordshire Police.