Stephanie Cawsey didn’t realise the impact of her generosity, warm smile and helping hand on the victims of domestic violence she deals with daily.
The leading senior constable at Melton station is at the front line of one of the region’s biggest problems – and her commitment to empowering women and giving them a better chance at life has been recognised by those she’s helped.
Feedback from domestic violence victims and cohealth support workers led to her nomination for the Australasian Council of Women and Policing’s Excellence in Policing awards.
“I was very surprised and ecstatic when I found out I was nominated,” Leading Senior Constable Cawsey says. “It’s nice to get some recognition for the work I do.”
At just 15, she knew where her passions lay – in a job that helped people and had variety. Now, 24 years later, Leading Senior Constable Cawsey finally feels she’s fulfilled a dream.
“I’ve been in the family violence [unit] for the past two years, and probably the last two years has been the most rewarding yet most challenging of my entire career,” she says.
“The horrors I’ve seen in family violence and the stories I’ve heard … it’s just horrific.”
Leading Senior Constable Cawsey and station inspector Kathy Rudkins will next week head to Sydney, where the awards will be presented.
Inspector Rudkins, nominated in the ‘most outstanding leader’ category, has headed the Melton team for the past year and says she never expected to be nominated.
The pair are looking forward to meeting female officers from all over the state, nation and Australasian region, to exchange ideas.
