A TRAUMATISED victim of sexual assault was able to seek justice due to the actions of one man.
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Griffith Detective Sergeant Tim Clark allowed the victim to have a voice. On Friday night Detective Sergeant Clark was named Griffith’s police officer of the year.
He was selected amongst a sea of deserving candidates due to an emotional and sincere nomination from a victim of historical sexual abuse that committee members said could not be ignored.
After abuse sustained over decades the victim described the investigation process and court system as one of the most gruelling and painful experiences they had ever had to endure.
The victim said the pain and trauma and journey of justice had been greatly eased by Detective Sergeant Clark’s professionalism, dedication and personal approach.
Detective Sergeant Clark said he had been humbled by both the nomination and being awarded Griffith’s police officer of the year.
“I would do that for anyone who came to me for help, but it is humbling to see the effect this has had on someone’s life,” he said. “It reminds me of why I became a police officer.”
The victim said the detective’s reassurance had been a calming influence along the way and had made the process easier. His regular contact and compassion, the victim said, gave them the courage to persevere with the prosecution, when there were many times they had wanted to give up due to fear and shame.
Detective Sergeant Clark worked tirelessly, met the victim after hours in his own time, dissected proceedings after court appearances and answered phone calls, texts and emails after hours.
The victim said she would be forever grateful to the detective.
Dennis Conroy paid tribute to Leeton school teacher Stephanie Scott and Taskforce Gunabri which investigated her tragic murder. “The taskforce was created soon after she was reported missing and a short time after a 24-year-old male was arrested, her body was found the next day,” Mr Conroy said.
“Now, just over 12 months later he has pleaded guilty to her murder.
“The actions of police officers over that time drew strong praise amongst the community.
“It would be an injustice to highlight any individual above another and so tonight we thank all of the staff who worked so tirelessly to get justice for Stephanie Scott and we wanted to pay tribute to all involved.”