A Senior Constable from the state’s south has won the 2018 Domestic Violence Practitioner of the Year Award for her ongoing commitment and dedication to victim protection and support, NSW Police say.
Senior Constable Debra Milnes from the Murray River Police District was announced as the winner by NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM in Sydney today (Monday 19 November 2018).
The Sabine Altmann Memorial Award for NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Prevention Practitioner of the Year award recognises the person who has contributed in the most outstanding way by responding to or working within the area of domestic violence on behalf of the NSW Police Force.
Sabine Altmann, who the award is named after, worked as a Region Domestic Violence Coordinator in the New England Police District from 2008 until her death in a car crash in October 2011.
The winner, Senior Constable Milnes has been at the forefront of anti-domestic and family violence programs, since starting as a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer at Albury Police Station.
She was one of the founding members of the "Step Up" White Ribbon Day march, which is now an annual event.
Senior Constable Milnes has been instrumental in raising awareness around domestic and family related violence and providing education and training to large corporations and the community.
Commissioner Fuller said Senior Constable Milnes demonstrates exceptional diligence and commitment to improving outcomes for victims and perpetrators of domestic and family violence.
"Domestic and family violence is a crime, and everyone has a responsibility to speak up to stop it before it happens," Commissioner Fuller said.
"It’s officers like Senior Constable Milnes, whose unwavering commitment and dedication to victim support and perpetrator accountability, helps wield results and bring change within our community.
"I am proud to present this award to Senior Constable Milnes for always putting service above self and leading the conversation around domestic violence within her community and Command," Commissioner Fuller said.
The two runners up for the award are;
Senior Constable Madonna Bedgood – Wagga Wagga Police District
Senior Constable Bedgood has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the welfare of domestic and family violence victims through her role as a Domestic Violence Liaison officer in the Wagga Wagga Police District. She has been recognised for her excellent investigative skills and is an active participant in the conversation of domestic violence as a current member of the Liberty from Violence Committee.
Western Region High Risk Offender Team
The Western Region High Risk Offender Team began operations in November 2017 and have quickly become an indispensable part of the region’s efforts to tackle domestic and family violence and bring perpetrators to justice. In a seven-month period the team has conducted 15 operations with outstanding results.
