Mansfield Police officer shares her own experience of male violence to encourage victims to speak out
A Mansfield Police officer is sharing her own experience of male violence to encourage victims and survivors of abuse to come forward and seek help.
PC Saara Nawaz, a neighbourhood officer in Mansfield, once felt trapped in a cycle of escalating physical and emotional abuse.
Today, she is using her voice to empower others through a powerful video message, urging women in similar situations to do what she felt unable to do at the time – call the police and ask for help.
Supporting the national White Ribbon campaign and the 16 Days of Activism, PC Nawaz explained: “I know from personal experience how it feels to be trapped in an abusive environment.
"I understand the fear, the uncertainty, and the worry that seeking help might make things worse.
"At the time, I never imagined I would become a police officer – but now I am, I wish I had taken action sooner and called the police.
"If I’d known then what I know now, I wouldn’t have hesitated. But I also know how huge that step feels for anyone in that situation.”
In her case, she was able to escape with the love and support of her family – but she acknowledges that not everyone has that option.
PC Nawaz is speaking out to highlight the devastating impact of male violence against women and girls and to remind those feeling trapped that a future full of opportunities is possible once the cycle of abuse is broken.
She added: “I never thought for a moment that I would end up as a police officer, but my experiences inspired me to help others – and this is one way I can do that.
"During my time in the force, I’ve seen first-hand how seriously these cases are taken and how passionately officers work to protect people. Keeping you safe is our number one priority.
"Yes, we want to bring offenders to justice, but our main focus is making sure you are safe from further harm.
"We can only do that if we know what’s happening. Speaking as a survivor, I know that if we don’t break the silence, we cannot end the violence.”
PC Saara NAWAZ urges If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse that help is available, and you do not have to face this alone, please call contact Nottinghamshire Police or reach out to local support services:-
Call 999 if you are in immediate danger.
For non-emergencies, contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101.
24-hour Nottinghamshire Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 800 0340 (run by Juno Women’s Aid)
NIDAS (Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Services): Call 01623 683250 or click here
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247