Staffordshire Women's Aid

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Local Charity Chief Exec wins National Award at star studded ceremony.

14 July 2011
Dickie Chester – James, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Women’s Aid was presented with the prestigious Marie Claire Campaigner against Domestic Violence award this year.

On Thursday 14 July 2011, Avon Cosmetics and national domestic violence charity Women’s Aid honoured the incredible achievements of some of the UK’s most inspirational women at the Avon and Women’s Aid Empowering Women Awards 2011.

Fionna Mactaggart, MP and editor of Marie Claire magazine Trish Halpin presented Dickie with her award at a star-studded ceremony, held at the iconic Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, London. The event was attended by a host of celebrity supporters including Sarah Brown, Alesha Dixon and Charlie Webster, who all presented awards to this year’s winners. Other guests at the exclusive afternoon tea event included celebrity chef Tom Aikens and Olympic gold medallist Natasha Hastings.

A domestic violence survivor and the current chief executive of Staffordshire’s Women’s Aid, Dickie has shown unfaltering commitment and relentless campaigning for the cause over the past 20 years. Her dedication has seen her help thousands of women in the Staffordshire area.

Dickie said: “I am extremely honored to receive this award. It means a great deal to all of us who have worked so hard to create a safer world for women and children, and that Avon cosmetics and Marie Claire magazine are acknowledging our work in this way”

The annual Avon and Women’s Aid Empowering Women Awards, now in their second year, recognise the bravery and the achievements of women survivors of domestic violence and those who work tirelessly to support those affected by abuse. The ceremony saw the introduction of a new award, Child Survivor of the Year, which joins the three existing categories: Woman Survivor of the Year, Grass Roots Hero and Marie Claire Campaigner Against Domestic Violence.

This year’s inspirational winners were initially nominated by the public before being selected by a judging panel of leading women including Alesha Dixon, Sarah Brown, TV presenter and child survivor of domestic violence Charlie Webster, senior vice president of Avon WEMEA Anna Segatti, Women’s Aid chief executive Nicola Harwin, CBE and Marie Claire editor Trish Halpin.

Anna Segatti, senior vice president of Avon WEMEA says: "As Avon celebrates 125 years of empowering women, we’re proud to be recognising some of today’s most inspirational and brave women in the UK. Through our ongoing work with Women’s Aid we are committed to helping end violence against women. These awards play an important part in our continuing mission to break down the silence that surrounds the ugly issue of domestic abuse."

Nicola Harwin CBE, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said: "One in four women suffers from domestic abuse during her lifetime and two women are killed each week by a violent current or former partner. Women’s Aid and Avon are proud that for the second year these awards are making sure that the experiences of survivors and those who help them are brought into the spotlight so that those who are suffering in silence right now can find a way out."