Cheshire's Harm Reduction Unit win national award for VAWG work
They won the 'collaborative working leading to victim-centred investigations' category
Last updated 28th Jan 2026
Cheshire Police's Harm Reduction Unit (HRU) has won a national award for its work tackling violence against women and girls.
The awards ceremony was held by the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection yesterday (27th January).
The Harm Reduction Unit won the 'collaborative working leading to victim-centred investigations' category.
The HRU delivered the highest charge rate for stalking and harassment nationally, with a 98% conviction rate for cases reaching court.
They also secured the longest stalking sentence in UK history.
“We are extremely proud of the Harm Reduction Unit and the work the team continue to do to keep vulnerable people safe across Cheshire.", Carlos Brunes, Cheshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable, said.
He says protecting victims is at the centre of the unit's mind.
He continued, "the results we are seeing and the winning of this award is a credit to the team’s success in doing this."
Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, said at the event, “A woman is killed by a man on average every three days in the UK. That’s why the work of the police is so vital to tackle abusers and protect victims from harm.
“These awards celebrate officers who refuse to look away from that reality, so thank you to all those officers who dedicate their lives to protecting the public.”