Two Cumbria police officers have received national recognition for their care and commitment in protecting a vulnerable woman suspected of being a victim of honour-based abuse.
DC Joanna Harrison and Inspector Kate Warner were given an award at an event celebrating people and organisations who have taken a stand against this type of harm.
Honour-based abuse is a crime or incident committed to protect or defend the honour of a family or community.
If a person’s family or community think they have shamed or embarrassed them by behaving in a certain way, they may punish them for breaking their honour code.
The officers helped the woman after police were called to an incident in Penrith last year where she had been assaulted by a man. The man was arrested.
Through a sensitively-handled inquiry it became clear that the woman did not want to be with the man and she said her marriage had been arranged.
She said she was frightened of what would happen if she returned home.
Safeguarding measures were put in place to protect the woman and an investigation into suspected controlling and coercive behaviour was launched.
DC Harrison was within her first 10 weeks in the job but managed to put the woman at ease and built up a rapport until the woman felt confident enough to speak to her.
Insp Warner quickly recognised the risks and concerns around honour-based abuse and advised and assisted through the enquiries and actions.
They both won a special recognition award at the True Honour Awards, held by the women’s rights organisation IKWRO in London.
Detective Superintendent Sally Blaiklock, Cumbria police’s lead officer on public protection, said: “We’re very proud of both officers. They showed care, diligence and outstanding commitment.
“They recognised and appropriately dealt with a very concerning case of suspected honour-based abuse and made sure the woman involved was safeguarded and received the support she needed.
“DC Harrison, who is still at the beginning of her career, really excelled in this job, showing her excellent interpersonal skills.
“Insp Warner quickly saw the red flags and identified at an early opportunity the honour-based abuse elements and the need for safeguarding.”
Chief Superintendent Dan St Quintin, area commander for Westmorland and Furness, added: “Both officers showed the upmost desire to protect a very vulnerable woman and showed outstanding work to prevent abuse and protect the victim.
“This award is fantastic recognition for both the officers and for Cumbria Police, with nominations for the awards coming from across the UK and internationally.”
DC Harrison said: “I was humbled by the whole experience and to be in the presence of the incredible survivors of honour-based abuse and female genital mutilation.
“It was inspiring to hear the incredible work that has been done, as well as the work that the IKWRO do. To receive this award is a true honour.”
Insp Warner said: “It really was a surprise to be recognised so widely for something which I’d considered was myself and my colleagues just ‘doing the job’ at the time.
“But in reality, because of this specific incident and the risk associated with the victim, it was a case where it could have gone badly wrong.
“It’s a credit to DC Harrison and the other members of our team on the day that we were able to provide such a good response and service to the victim and we were able to help her in the way we did.”
