Chief Inspector awarded for outstanding contributions to domestic abuse at Police Federation of England and Wales Annual Conference Avon and Somerset Police’s Chief Inspector Sharon Baker has been awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award 2021 at the Police Federation of England and Wales’ (PFEW) annual conference. C/Inspector Baker was awarded for her outstanding work around domestic violence including a powerful video she made sharing her own experience of living in a controlling and abusive relationship. The video, which was shared via Avon and Somerset Police’s social media platforms and has subsequently been viewed by thousands of people, urged other victims to break the silence about their abuse and to find help and support as soon as possible. The video caused a ripple effect through the community with many people sharing their support towards C/Inspector Baker, and others commenting that she had inspired them to talk about, and report, their own experiences of abuse.
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C/Inspector Baker, who is also the strategic lead for domestic abuse at Avon and Somerset Police, has continued her work by working together with partner organisations to improve services delivered to victims and has spearheaded a new framework to address how disclosures of domestic abuse are managed within Avon and Somerset Police. Her video is also being used by other police forces as part of domestic abuse training for frontline officers. This year marks the seventh annual Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award – recognising the dedication to duty by female officers and celebrating those who have gone above and beyond to make a difference, resulting in a positive impact on others. C/Inspector Baker’s work was singled out amongst a record number of nominations to the Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award. Zoe Wakefield, Chair of PFEW’s National Women’s Group, said: “By bravely sharing her own experiences of domestic abuse, Chief Inspector Baker has given a voice to those who have felt unable to speak out.
