We’re delighted to report that Watson Ramsbottom Director Rachel Horman has been shortlisted for the inaugural joint Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize and Centre for Women’s Justice Award.
The award recognises an individual woman who has, through writing or campaigning, raised awareness of violence against women and children.
Rachel’s nomination cites her work assisting victims of Domestic Abuse here at Watson Ramsbottom, along with her campaigning as chair of Paladin, the UK’s National Stalking Advocacy Service, and her informative blog which holds the state to account on violence against women as reasons for her nomination.
Rachel is recognised as a nationally renowned expert in her specialist field of Stalking, Domestic Abuse and Honour Based Violence both as a practitioner and campaigner having spearheaded law change in these areas. She was personally involved in changing the law to create a criminal offence of Coercive Control or Emotional Abuse, which came into force in December 2015, and is currently involved in advising the police and government around other problems with the current law in relation to stalking and domestic abuse.
In a testimonial for Rachel’s achievements the former CEO of Paladin said “Rachel Horman has been pioneering women’s leadership in legal practice for over twenty years. Often she is the first to comment on cutting edge developments in law reform such as Stalking and Coercive Control. In addition she actively contributes to institutional reform to bring about innovative changes in law and practice, often well before these become topical or even thought of as possible.
Rachel has an exceptional ability to engage clients who are at extreme risk. Through her tenacity, extensive legal knowledge and an innate sense of justice, she is genuinely able to help clients feel safer and gain enhanced legal or civil protection that reduces their risk. Having specialised in this ares of work for over 20 years, she has become a catalyst for change and earned her stripes as a respected advocate for women and children rights.”
Rachel reacted to her nomination on Twitter, stating “I’m stunned and chuffed in equal measure to have been shortlisted for this prize amongst such amazing women and for such an important award”
For more information on the joint Emma Humphreys and Centre for Women’s Justice awards, and to view the list of nominees, visit emmahumphreys.org
The awards ceremony takes place on Friday 8th November at Oxford House in Bethnal Green.