David Braithwaite
A MEMBER of the Sale Police Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team has been recognised for her work.
The Glenn Paton Family Violence, Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Practitioner of the Year Awards were held recently at the Victoria Police Centre, recognising police employees who have gone above and beyond while working in family violence, sexual offences and child abuse.
Detective Acting Sergeant Rose Basford received the Sexual Offences Highly Commended Award for her work protecting children that are in out of home care and are at high risk of sexual exploitation.
“It was an honour, but very humbling, but we all work as a team,” she said of the award.
Det. Act. Sgt Basford has been an officer for 23 years, and has been in the SOCIT unit for more than five years having previously worked with youth.
“I’m very passionate about the complainants, and it’s really important that we believe and that we keep these kids safe,” she said.
“We do tend to deal with kids and adults that were offended against as kids.
“There has been an increase in historical reporting and we think that’s because there’s been a lot of education around what’s acceptable and what’s not. People are now coming out about what’s happened to them as children.
“There’s a lot more media about it.
“So perhaps [eople don’t feel like they’re still not going to be believed. I think there’s a bit of a change in that which I hope has made it easier to come and report what has happened to them in the past.”
Det. Act. Sgt Basford said it was important to be respectful and sensitive to the wishes of victims, who can be referred to support services in addition to, or instead of proceeding through the criminal process.
“We are highly-trained. We are all passionate about looking after our complainant and trying to get the best outcome possible for them, and whether that is going to court, whether that is just hearing their story – it is very much about what they want to do,” she said.
