Rhyl strategic domestic abuse officer whose mum was murdered by stepdad recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours 2021 list

Michael Taggart, of Rhyl, was recognised for services to Victims of Domestic Abuse.

Mr Taggart has supported victims of domestic abuse throughout his career.

In 2014, he specialised to become a tactical domestic abuse officer, covering the county of Denbighshire.

A statement into the reason behind the prestigious honour said: "He worked directly with victims offering them safeguarding advice and support, encouraging them to make the brave step to complete statements against the perpetrators.

"Moving to his current role in 2018, a role his predecessors had fulfilled with policy writing, procedural change and quality assurance. He tore up the job description and took every opportunity it afforded to deliver his message to the most vulnerable victims through innovative and widely varied means. Through his passion and commitment, he built up a network of contacts across the third sector whom he now works alongside, to maximum potential for victims."

Mr Taggart secured funding to create a domestic abuse roadshow and toured it throughout North Wales. ‘Would You Make the Cut’ focused on the hair and beauty industry, using the sanctuary of hair and beauty salons to reach out to and provide support to victims of domestic abuse.

Mr Taggart's mum Donna Marie Crist was murdered at her flat in Rhyl in 1997 by estranged husband Derek Evans after years of vicious alcohol-fuelled abuse.

The statement added: "He spoke of his own story: his mother was murdered by his stepfather in 1997 when he was just 15. His story helped him connect with the audience, improving their understanding of the issues and encouraging them to be the eyes and ears of domestic abuse support services and a mouthpiece for victims. Such is the impact of the roadshows, it has led to disclosures of abuse, controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual assault and rape to the team.

"One attendee asked him to talk at his Tattoo Tea Party convention as he felt that tattooists’ could benefit from his advice on spotting potential victims of domestic abuse; the event was well attended and he received positive feedback. The White Ribbon campaign is a charity designed to end male violence against women.

"He displayed the White Ribbon on all North Wales Police vehicles and 1700 taxis across North Wales as part of a wider publicity campaign to highlight the plight of victims of domestic abuse.

"Since the implementation of new stalking legislation in 2020 he has been instrumental in ensuring the safety of individual women in specific cases while frontline officers become accustomed to the new tactics.

"His impact on highlighting the hidden victims of these crimes has been outstanding and has become even more important in light of Covid restrictions.

"He organised a campaign to reach out to potential victims, involving partnership working with commercial businesses such as Tesco (home delivery service); Food banks and Pharmacies across North Wales."

The Queen's Birthday Honours 2021 list recognises the work and achievements of a wide range of remarkable people across the United Kingdom from all backgrounds.

Simon Hart, Secretary of State for Wales, said: “In what has truly been an astonishingly challenging year, it is vital that we take the time to recognise and praise the inspiring achievements of remarkable people across society.

“These awards celebrate the individuals who selflessly give back to those around them, both through their work and personal lives, and whose work can sometimes be overlooked.

“It is heart-warming to see the hugely diverse range of recipients from communities and backgrounds across Wales, recognised for their commitment to charity, education, health, sport the arts and – during a global pandemic – extraordinary work in the fight against Covid-19.

“We are all extremely grateful for the efforts of each person honoured and I’d like to personally congratulate everyone receiving an award.”