The leader of a Stafford-based charity which offers a lifeline to domestic abuse victims and their families has received national recognition for her work.
Dickie James, who has been Chief Executive of Staffordshire Women’s Aid since 1994, was a finalist in the YOU/Clarins Woman of the Year Award.
Staffordshire Women’s Aid is working with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver free workplace training for businesses to support victims of domestic abuse.
Dickie was nominated for the award for supporting children in Staffordshire who have lived with the impact of domestic abuse, leading to a £1,000 donation to her charity for reaching the final.
She said: “Children and young people are the largest and most vulnerable group of victims of domestic abuse. At Staffordshire Women’s Aid we have tried for many years to highlight the impact on children and provide them with a safe arena to express their feelings and rebuild their confidence and trust in relationships.
“The PCC has demonstrated his support for such children in Staffordshire through funding for our refuge and the proactive partnership work we are doing through the Training for Employers initiative.
“I felt honoured to have been nominated for this award and to have been selected as a finalist. Most of all, I am delighted that it has brought some national attention to the plight of children and young people who are so often powerless in domestic abuse situations and who deserve support and recognition.”
Staffordshire Women’s Aid is an award-winning charity which has been supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence in Staffordshire since 1976. Through specialist support, the organisation empowers victims to change their lives and plan for safer, healthier and independent futures.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold has worked closely with Dickie to develop the workplace training to support those affected by domestic abuse.
Sue said: “Dickie works tirelessly for domestic abuse victims and their families in Staffordshire and this national recognition is thoroughly deserved.
“Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on victims and effect every area of their lives. The free training we’ve developed with Staffordshire Women’s Aid shows that businesses are committed to supporting staff in a sensitive way.”
The workplace-based initiative sees at least one member of staff at a business sign up to become a Domestic Abuse Champion. Burton Albion Football Club and Burton Albion Community Trust were the latest organisation to sign up to the programme. Businesses can find out more here
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, Matthew Ellis, also provided support for Staffordshire Women’s Aid to launch a new refuge in Stafford to help families who are experiencing domestic abuse earlier this year. The funding of £26,000 will help to provide self-contained accommodation for up to 12 families who need emergency support.
For information on Staffordshire Women’s Aid go to www.staffordshirewomensaid.org/
