Suzanne Oldnall was instrumental in setting up a domestic abuse drop in centre at Parkinson Wright’s Worcester office where victims of domestic abuse can simply drop in Monday - Friday between 9:30am - 4:00pm in without an appointment to seek legal advice. She participates each year in the White Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse.
She continues to campaign along with other agencies to raise awareness of domestic abuse and that there is help available. She has also been asked by Martin Lakeman, Public Health Lead for Domestic Abuse, Worcestershire to be involved in the Drive Project phase 2 which is being piloted in the Worcestershire area by the Cranstoun Charity to re-educate perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Survivor Testimonials for Suzanne.
At the time, I felt like my world was ending, coming to see you made me stronger and more confident to go ahead. Having that as a foundation has made me stronger and I am not as scared as I used to be. I realise that I didn’t actually do anything wrong. Survivor
I remember that you gave me a small hug at the end of our meeting and told me I was a lovely person. It had been such a long time since I had been told anything so nice. Survivor
Suzanne Oldnall gave me the courage to leave and her empathetic approach was just what I needed at the time. What a relief, I now have freedom. Many women leaving domestic abuse start a new life with nothing. I consider myself fortunate to be able to start afresh. I have truly appreciated the way that you have supported me into a new future. Survivor
Thank you so much for everything that you have done for me and my child. Words cannot describe how much your support meant to me through this difficult time. You are a truly amazing person. Once again, thank you. Survivor
Thank you for being such an important part of both mine and my child’s life and thank you for giving me the strength to carry on and survive. You are a credit to QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright and I tell others in similar situations to come and see you, simply due to how you treated me. Survivor
I cannot thank you enough for making me feel safe again. I wish I’d have known you before and maybe my life would have been different. You made it ok to stand up and say “No”. You truly are amazing. Survivor
May I say that you were marvellous on Monday and acting with such sincerity, empathy and professionalism towards the client.
Domestic Violence Support Worker
Testimonial from Martin Lakeman
Public Health Lead for Domestic Abuse, Worcestershire
National White Ribbon Ambassador
Suzanne Oldnall thoroughly deserves to be formally recognised for her work in the Worcester BID, Business in the Community Awards. She epitomises what the award stands for. She is an inspirational woman who has a passion to make a difference and stand up to protect vulnerable women suffering and fleeing domestic abuse. She is a true champion who deserves formal recognition.
Suzanne had the vison and determination to set up a unique specialist service in Worcestershire, which ultimately not only protects women, but saves lives. Following on from her own personal experience she has dedicated herself and championed this vital service for women and their children. She is deeply respected and admired by fellow professionals in this area and within the legal world.
It's a sad fact that 1in 4 women will at some time in their life be exposed to domestic abuse. This crime has a major impact on sections of our community, a core value of this award. Suzanne has championed and spoken on behalf of victims in the courts and sought sanctuary and protection for those at risk of further abuse and ultimately domestic homicide. She has continued to do this despite being threatened and abused by the perpetrators she seeks to protect her clients from.
Suzanne's innovative domestic abuse drop in centre allows women to call in without an appointment and get support and advice at a time when everything around them is falling apart. She provides lifesaving interventions and should be very proud of her achievements. She has the unique ability always to make time for others and put them first. She has supported the Worcestershire Forum against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (wider partnership) by sharing her experience and expertise by talking at training/awareness events and has helped drive activities through a range of high profile campaigns. As part of this work, she shared her courageous story on BBC Hereford and Worcester radio. This would have given other survivors, suffering in silence, the confidence to come forward and seek support.
Suzanne is relentless in her efforts to support and seek protection for vulnerable women and their children, working with the courts and the specialist domestic abuse services across Worcestershire. She provides a lifeline to sections of our communities who have to suffer in silence. Suzanne provides victims with confidence and hope to break free from abuse and goes the "extra mile" to ensure they can start their journey of recovery.
In 2015, Worcestershire was awarded National White Ribbon status as a county for its collective work in raising awareness of the devastating effects of domestic abuse. This was a significant achievement, only the second area in the region to be awarded this prestigious award. The work of Suzanne was part of the evidence presented to achieve this award. The award was presented to Suzanne (Parkinson Wright solicitors) on the 25th November 2015 at Worcester University, at the launch of the International 16 days of action to end violence against women and girls (White Ribbon campaign).
Suzanne has for the past five years provided leadership, supported by the partners of Parkinson Wright who believe in her, in this critical area. She has hosted a series of awareness events inviting corporate clients and business leaders from across Worcestershire to pledge their support to confront and acknowledge the devastating impact of both domestic and sexual abuse. This effort is recognised in the fact that Worcestershire makes up 28% of all national pledges on the national White Ribbon site, focused on Ending Violence against Women and Girls. She has helped raise monies for the running of the 24 hour domestic abuse helpline in Worcestershire which provides a lifeline to victims in their hour of need run by West Mercia Women's Aid. This helpline continues to see an increase year on year. In addition during key times that we know domestic abuse increases such as sporting events and Christmas she has on her volition introduced an emergency phone line for victims needing help and in need of emergency protection. She is an inspiration to victims in Worcestershire and sometimes their last resort. There can be no greater privilege than to rescue people in need of help. Suzanne does this daily.
I have no hesitation in submitting this testimony and supporting and recommending Suzanne for this award.