King's Police Medal for interim chief constable

Maggie Blyth paid tribute to the victims and survivors in their fight for justice

A temporary chief constable says she is "delighted, surprised and deeply honoured" to be awarded the King's Police Medal in King Charles III's Birthday Honours.

T/CC Maggie Blyth, from Gloucestershire Constabulary, was recognised for her work in tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG).

She acknowledged the many police officers and staff who "work tirelessly" to obtain justice for victims, in what she described as an "epidemic of violence".

"I'm immensely proud of the focus policing brings to pursuing the perpetrators who harm women and children. Across every force, this is a priority," she added.

The honour is awarded to police officers in the UK and Commonwealth of Nations for gallantry or distinguished service.

T/CC Blyth has been the National Police Chiefs' Council VAWG coordinator since 2021, alongside her role as national portfolio lead for violence and public protection.

She said: "I want to acknowledge the many police officers and staff who work tirelessly to turn the tables on the perpetrators behind these crimes.

"Our colleagues do this on a daily basis and their work is literally life-saving, helping to prevent yet another tragic death."

The government has pledged to put domestic abuse specialists in police control rooms and set up dedicated courts for rape trials to help tackle VAWG

T/CC Blyth said the force stood by the government's target to reduce VAWG by 50% within a decade.

But having the same impact as tackling other national threats - such as counter-terrorism and serious and organised crime - would require "significant ongoing investment", she added.

She said: "The threat to women online, behind closed doors, and in public spaces, remains unacceptably high.

"We are still confronting an epidemic of violence against women and girls."

A new National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection has been set up, recognising the need to bring national consistency to how such crimes are dealt with by all 43 forces in England and Wales.

T/CC Blyth added: "Above all, I want to pay tribute to all victims and survivors who show such courage in reporting these dreadful offences, and for placing their trust in us, the police, to secure justice for them.

"We must never let them down which is why our response to VAWG must remain a priority for us all."