Awarded to a survivor of domestic violence who has inspired others. The winner will be a woman who has previously been in an abusive relationship, and who has since gone on to achieve success and inspire others. This could be through furthering her career, expanding her education, and setting up a business, improving chances for her family, helping other women experiencing abuse, or carrying out voluntary work.

Kerry was repeatedly told by her abuser that she was stupid, lazy and worthless – her achievements in the 13 years since she left the relationship clearly show that she is anything but. Despite enduring seven years of horrific abuse, both physical and emotional, this incredible woman has remained determined not to let her experiences hold her back, and has dedicated her life to helping other women escape abuse.

She has worked tirelessly to support women and children affected by domestic abuse, through volunteering at a refuge, supporting survivors and raising awareness amongst her local Police force, and setting up a training, consultation and awareness raising service led entirely by survivors. Showing remarkable drive and determination, she has also completed a three-year advanced diploma in therapeutic counselling, a business management course, and has set up her own specialist counselling and consultancy business.

This incredible woman has shown the true spirit of a survivor in everything she has done, and her commitment to improving support for domestic violence victims in the Devon area has no doubt saved many, many lives.

Awarded to a volunteer or employee of a registered domestic violence charity who goes beyond the call of duty to help survivors of domestic violence in need of support. The winner will work in a voluntary or paid capacity with a registered charity to support people who have been affected by domestic violence. This could be through providing direct support to women and children using specialist refuge or domestic violence services, raising awareness about the issue of domestic violence in their local community, or raising money to support domestic violence services.

The winner of the Grass Roots Hero Award will be able to nominate a registered domestic violence charity of their choice to receive a £10,000 donation. This will be a specialist service whose main purpose is to make a difference to those who have suffered or are suffering from the effects of domestic violence.

The nominated charity must demonstrate how the donation will be used, and will be required to complete and submit to Avon a business plan and budget summary together with other Avon compliance documentation. The application must demonstrate that the donation will benefit individuals other than the applicant and their immediate family members. Awards will only be paid by Avon once the required Avon ethics and compliance checks have been completed.

Susan has spent over 10 years helping women suffering because of domestic violence, generously giving up enormous amounts of her time to volunteer at her local domestic violence service, Crewe Women's Aid. She joined as Trustee and Treasurer, but has since gone far beyond the call of duty to help improve the support available to abused women and children in her area.

In recent years, she has managed the opening of a new support centre, which is being expanded to help provide support for even more families. She has also worked hard to bring about the purchase and refurbishment of four houses in the community, which are being used by families who would not thrive in refuge accommodation and by women who need somewhere to stay in-between leaving refuge accommodation and moving into a home of their own.

Susan's dedication to the cause knows no bounds. As a self-employed business-woman, she gives her time to Crewe Women's Aid at the cost of her own earning potential. Through being nominated for this award, she secured a £10,000 grant for Crewe Women's Aid to equip the newly extended support centre and train volunteers to help run the facility.

Awarded to someone who is committed to campaigning against domestic violence and is working to make a difference for the future. The winner will be passionate about bringing an end to domestic violence by speaking out about the issue and calling for change to improve the support available to those experiencing domestic abuse. This award is open to both those who campaign against domestic violence in a professional capacity, and those who have a personal interest in the issue.

Lesley has undoubtly shown a lifetime of commitment to creating vital services and raising funds to support women and children who have suffered from domestic abuse.

Lesley started the charity Sefton Women's and Children's Aid 30 years ago. For the first 10 years she worked in a voluntary capacity while working full time and tirelessly fundraising to ensure that every woman and child who came to her charity for help could get the support and safe haven they so desperately needed. As demand for the charity's services grew, she gave up her job to commit full time to growing the charity and improving the support available to women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

This inspirational woman has also worked hard to train probationary police officers in Merseyside to have a real understanding of the issues surrounding domestic violence and effectively approach situations of domestic violence.

Over the years, she has run four refuges and now she works to empower women to stay in their own home with the full support of Sefton Women's and Children's Aid.

Awarded to a child survivor of domestic violence who has inspired others. The winner will be someone who has been affected by domestic violence in the home as a child or young person. The winner will have gone on to inspire others by volunteering or helping others who have suffered from domestic abuse, or through campaigning, creating awareness or raising funds.