Avon UK and Women’s Aid Empowering Women Awards 2011

In association with Marie Claire

The Avon UK and Women’s Aid Empowering Women Awards are a platform to celebrate the amazing achievements and incredible bravery of women who have either been affected by domestic violence themselves, or who are working tirelessly in the field to support those who have experienced abuse.

The winners will be chosen by a specially selected panel of judges made up of high-profile and inspirational women.

Applications are now open to nominate yourself or an individual who you think deserves to be recognised for their achievements. Applications close on 8th June 2011. Terms and conditions of entry apply.

The awards aim to empower women who are affected by domestic abuse by recognising inspirational individuals in the following categories:

Woman Survivor of the Year
Child Survivor of the Year
Grass Roots Hero
Marie Claire Campaigner Against Domestic Violence

Winners will be presented with their awards at a special afternoon tea ceremony in London in July 2011.

In order to be eligible for an Empowering Women Award applicants and those being nominated must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident in the UK, or a registered charity. Terms and Conditions apply, please see Terms and Conditions of entry.

Due to the sensitive nature of these awards, any person or charity nominating an individual for an award must have the express consent of the individual being nominated before submitting their application. The individual being nominated must also agree to the publication of their photograph and story by Women’s Aid, Avon and Marie Claire.

The 10th annual Avon Foundation for Women Gala this week put the spotlight on some truly exceptional women and men for their efforts to end breast cancer and violence against women.

The event was held at Cipriani, the glamorous venue on 42nd Street in New York City, famous for its towering ceilings and over-the-top chandeliers. The night has raised more than $20 million for Avon philanthropy in the decade since it launched.

The event was hosted by Reese Witherspoon, who is Honorary Chair of  the Avon Foundation for Women, and Andrea Jung, Chairman and CEO, Avon Products, Inc., with a special musical performance by Melissa  Etheridge.

More than 550 guests attended and donated $2.2 million this year to benefit breast cancer research and access to care and domestic violence education, prevention and victim support programs.

“This is our very special 10th anniversary celebration where we honour extraordinary champions who are changing women’s lives, and salute their powerful contributions to women’s health and empowerment,” said Andrea Jung. “Through the generosity of our supporters, in addition to the grassroots efforts of millions of supporters around the world — including our Avon Sales Representatives and customers — Avon is the world’s largest corporate philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women.”

3 Comments · Posted by Abi Redecen in Cause Related Activities, Refuge

Avon, and national domestic violence charity Refuge, are working together to help every woman and child, no matter where they live, to have access to domestic violence services.

Here a Refuge Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) from Kent, shares her story.  Due to the nature of the IDVA’s work, their identity is kept hidden.
 
“I have worked for Refuge for the last two years.  I am an independent domestic violence advocate and my job is to support women who are at high risk of domestic violence – many are often at risk of homicide.  I support over 100 women every year – but Refuge, through its range of services supports over 1,600 women and children on any given day.  The work the Refuge team does changes lives and saves lives.  I feel very proud of the work I do, Sally is an example of the type of woman I support.

Photography by Julian Nieman
I met Sally after she attended a walk-in health clinic in Folkestone following an attack by her ex.  He had broken into her house, pinned her to the bed and threatened her with rape.  She managed to run out of the house and call the police from a payphone before her attacker dragged her back to the house to repeat the ordeal again.
 
Sally was especially vulnerable as she self-harmed using pieces of broken glass, so I supported her to go to the local mental health service and to attend hospital when her self-harming produced serious injuries.
 
I also liaised with police to make sure she was kept up to date with the criminal case against her ex.  Sally was deemed so high risk that she was referred to the local Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), which brings together all the agencies involved in supporting a victim of domestic violence, and I became the lead for her case. She was understandably frightened of attending court and facing her attacker, so I accompanied her and made sure she felt safe enough to testify. 
 
Towards the end of the court case Sally was diagnosed with cervical cancer.  I supported her through the diagnosis, gave her information on cancer help and chemotherapy and provided daily/weekly support over the phone.  I also supported Sally to claim the benefits she was entitled to given her condition.

Photography by Julian Nieman
Her attacker was eventually found guilty of sexual assault and ABH and was sentenced to 128 days in custody. The judge also ordered him to be registered on the sex offenders register for life.  Sally continues to fight cancer and I still continue to support her by ringing her every couple of weeks.”   

Please speak out to ensure that all women like Sally can receive the vital specialist support they need.  One in three local authorities currently has no specialist domestic violence services whatsoever.  Sign Avon and Refuge’s petition to ensure that every woman can access support, no matter where she lives. For more information visit www.fourwaystospeakout.com.
 
Spread the word: On September 30th Refuge and Avon are calling on you to speak out against domestic violence and spread the word about this vital petition via Facebook and Twitter. 

Follow @Avon_UK and @RefugeCharity or visit www.facebook.com/fourwaystospeakout or AvonUK Facebook page to get involved!

Thanks