Lecturer Ruth is a real inspiration (From Worcester News)

Lecturer Ruth is a real inspiration

10:40pm Sunday 19th August 2012 in News

A LECTURER who founded a domestic abuse helpline in Worcestershire has been named as one of the most inspiring women in Europe.

Ruth Jones, who was last year’s winner of the Worcestershire Woman of the Year for Achievement award, has been recognised by the Europe Institute for Gender Equality for her work in the field of domestic abuse. Ms Jones is among just 12 people across Europe to have been given the prestigious title of a Woman Inspiring Europe.

The course leader for the University of Worcester ’s MA in the dynamics of domestic violence – the only course of its kind in England and Wales – said: “I’m really shocked and humbled to have received this award. I hope that it will help to highlight the importance of the work we are doing around domestic abuse, not just against women, but across the spectrum with men, children and families.”

Ms Jones has helped to put Worcester on the map as a centre of excellence for education, research and support services for domestic and sexual violence having been instrumental in setting up a 24-hour domestic violence helpline and working as training manager at the Asha Women’s Centre.

Her work has been recognised locally, nationally and internationally and she has won several awards, as well as gained recognition from the Department of Health and the Home Office.

Professor David Green, the university’s vice chancellor and chief executive, said: “Ruth has made an outstanding national and international contribution to researching and training professionals to tackle domestic violence. For the last seven years she has provided outstanding leadership in developing and delivering the university’s acclaimed course on the dynamics of domestic violence which attracts participation from police officers, social workers, health staff, lawyers and professionals from all over Britain.

“The university is deeply committed to providing outstanding courses for professional people involved in tackling some of society’s most serious problems. The course Ruth leads is rightly described as transformational and it has played a very important role nationally in making the tackling of this issue the priority it should and must be.”