Winner from Gloucestershire in first award ceremony for tackling men’s violence against women

• The Constabulary’s Digital Communications and Engagement officer Melissa Hamblett ‘s campaign calling out sexual harassment has been judged the winning regional entry in the first National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing’s recognition event for police officers, staff and volunteers who are working to tackle violence against women and girls
• the graphic advertising campaign called #FindYourVoice, was designed to tackle the harassment and unwanted attention women receive in Gloucestershire
• over 140 entries were received, which were initially judged regionally by police and third sector panels, before being put in front of a national panel who decided the 13 overall winners
• Melissa said, “I was proud to work on this campaign and feel honoured to be commended for my contribution.”

A Constabulary and Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner campaign about sexual harassment has been judged the winning regional entry in the first National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing’s recognition event for police officers, staff and volunteers who are working to tackle violence against women and girls.

Melissa Hamblett, Digital Communications and Engagement officer, won her award for a graphic advertising campaign called #FindYourVoice. It was designed to tackle the harassment and unwanted attention women receive in Gloucestershire. The video shows a young man with no mouth, staying silent as he witnesses harassment during his day.

The recognition event was developed and judged jointly by police forces and representatives from charities including SafeLives, Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Karma Nirvana, alongside the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Nicole Jacobs, and police staff associations. Over 140 entries were received which were initially judged regionally by police and third sector panels, before being put in front of a national panel who decided the 13 overall winners.

All winning entries had to demonstrate how they built trust and confidence, that their approach was victim-centred, and they had to show impact, including how they were pursuing perpetrators. Judges were impressed with the effectiveness of many of the entries, giving particular praise to those officers, staff and volunteers who listened to victims and survivors, and then shaped their activity accordingly.

Melissa Hamblett, Digital Communications and Engagement Officer said: “The bystander campaign highlighted how important it is for everyone to play their part in making Gloucestershire’s streets safer for women and girls. As a woman who grew up in the county, I was proud to work on this campaign and feel honoured to be commended for my contribution.”

You can watch the powerful video here: https://youtu.be/yqFvfU386Rw?si=d-UQhM72qcq1PgUw