A detective in Bristol was recognised for her efforts in the fight to end female genital mutilation (FGM).
Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Pook received the Thanks for Supporting the Sector prize at the Voscur awards ceremony in Bristol.
Leanne, who is the force and South West regional lead for FGM, was put forward for the award by young people from Integrate Bristol, a charity campaigning to end the practice.
As part of the award nomination, they said: “Leanne has been by our side throughout our campaign to end gender based violence and FGM.
“Having a DCI, a woman and somebody so kind and supportive on our side made such a difference. She’s made me and my friends feel safe and valued.
“Because of Leanne, there are so many young people who understand and really believe that the police are there to help and support, they are on our side, not against us.
“But above all, it’s her fierce and tireless dedication to safeguarding children from the humiliating and life-long debilitating effects of female genital mutilation that we want to thank her for.”
The Voscurs are awarded to both individuals and organisations in the community, voluntary and volunteer sectors that had gone the extra mile in seven categories.
DCI Leanne Pook said: “I am very proud to receive this award, especially because I was nominated by some remarkable young people. I am supported by a very dedicated team and this award is for them too.
“As a police force, we are committed to protecting victims from this form of abuse and to enforcing the law against people involved in carrying out FGM.”
FGM stands for female genital mutilation. Female genital mutilation is the illegal practise of female circumcision or cutting involving the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs.
FGM is a form of child abuse that happens in some African, Asian and Middle Eastern communities in the UK.
There is no medical reason for FGM and it can have serious health and psychological consequences, both at the time of the procedure and well into adulthood.
This year’s Voscur awards were one of the most fiercely contested in recent years.
The awards were made at Voscur’s AGM and Annual Conference at the Pavilion conference centre on Wednesday 22 October.