Three officers from the 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.

The awards celebrate the individuals, charities, policy makers, and volunteers working tirelessly to prevent violence, support survivors, and drive lasting change.

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."

Staffordshire Police explained that the nominated women have been 'instrumental' in a number of initiatives such as the 'Behind the Mask' campaign, a free online training programme designed for hair and beauty professionals which aimed at at tackling domestic abuse through early identification and community empowerment.

They also coordinated the 'Into the Darkness' walk, a community-led initiative designed to reclaim public spaces for women and girls, and hosted the 'In Her Shoes' art exhibition designed to provide a safe, expressive space for female victims of violence and abuse and those who walk alongside them.

The nominees also hosted 'Coffee, Cake & Courage' events in Stoke-on-Trent, and regularly attended local schools to deliver talks, safety sessions, and drop-in surgeries to reinforce the importance of early intervention and community empowerment.

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

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.