Officer recognised nationally for her work tackling violence against women and girls(2)

A police officer from Leicestershire has been recognised for ‘bringing hope and support to countless women and girls,’ at the national Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) awards.

A police officer from Leicestershire has been recognised for ‘bringing hope and support to countless women and girls,’ at the national Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) awards.

PC Dipti Manani from the East Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) was praised for, ‘making a profound impact in this area’ and for her ‘dedication and compassion.’ She is the joint runner up of the ‘Focusing VAWG Related Delivery with Seldom Heard Communities’ award.

Dipti’s beat is home to residents from many faiths, religions and cultures who speak many different languages which means effective communication and engagement with the police can be challenging.  Dipti approached the domestic abuse charity,  Zinthiya Trust, and they worked together to set up and run monthly coffee morning drop-in sessions focussed on supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse – a taboo subject in some cultures and one that is under reported because of cultural and language barriers.  Zinthiya Trust funded leaflets in different languages to advertise the sessions.

Realising that the sessions were helping to overcome cultural feelings of anxiety about the police, and giving people the confidence to discuss sensitive subjects, Dipti and Zinthiya Trust expanded the sessions to include a range of other charities and organisations covering topics such as; gambling, food hubs, benefits/debt, energy, substance misuse, period poverty, alcohol and drug awareness and housing advice to name a few. There are now 80 agencies who are involved in the coffee mornings.

Dipti was nominated for the award by the East Leicester NPA commander, Inspector Charles Edwards.  He said; “I have seen many community engagement projects over the years but never have I seen one that has been so widely accepted and encouraged across the local community. More than 1000 people have attended the sessions since they began.  We know many victims of domestic abuse have received the help and support they need and that people are travelling from far away to attend the sessions.  Thanks to Dipti, there is a significant number of local girls and women, who are not only safer, but are now more trusting of the police.”

Speaking about her award, Dipti said; “When I found out I had been nominated and named a joint runner-up for a 'National VAWG award,' I had to read the email several times just to make sure it wasn’t sent to the wrong person. Once it finally sank in, I was overjoyed and still can’t believe I was even considered for such a special award. I’m still surprised and incredibly grateful for being put forward by my amazing supervisors.

“I’m truly grateful to all the agencies that have supported us over the last 12 sessions and to everyone who has visited us seeking help and support. I never imagined in a million years that the coffee mornings would become so successful and life-changing for so many people. They’ve helped break down language barriers, and direct access to services has had a huge positive impact on the community. A lot of hard work and organization goes on behind the scenes to make these sessions successful but seeing the results makes it all so worth it.”

The awards are organised by the National Police Chief’s Council.  Dipti will be presented with her award at the national 2024 VAWG and Op Soteria Recognition event on 17 September.  There are 8 award categories and the NPCC received 175 nominations.

Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, the NPCC’s VAWG portfolio lead wrote to Dipti to congratulate her on the award.  Her letter said;

“We are thrilled to congratulate to you on being recognised as the joint runner up in the Focusing VAWG Related Delivery with Seldom Heard Communities award for your exceptional work in addressing VAWG. Your dedication and compassion have made a profound impact in this area, and this award is a testament to your remarkable contributions. Your work not only brings hope and support to countless women and girls but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of demonstrating leadership skills.”