Diana Parkes, whose daughter Joanna Simpson was killed by her estranged husband, has received the Points of Light Award from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
She set up the Joanna Simpson Foundation to raise awareness of the effects of domestic violence, offer services for advice and support to carers and young people, and increase understanding on how best to help youngsters caught up in such tragedies. Joanna’s children were within earshot when their mum was beaten to death.
Diana’s story has in part been the inspiration behind Queen Camilla’s determination to generate wider recognition of the harm domestic abuse causes.
The Points of Light Award scheme recognise volunteers who make a change in their community.
Meanwhile, Suzanne Oldnall has received a British Empire Medal awarded for services to survivors of domestic abuse after setting up a drop-in centre at her employer’s Worcester office to allows victims to call in without an appointment for legal advice and protection.
