A domestic abuse champion from Felixstowe has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to charity.

Joanna Hilary Todd, who is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Respect. was named in King Charles III's first new year's honours list after being recognised for her years of commitment to the victims of domestic abuse.

Known by colleagues as Jo, the mum of three sons, has worked in roles and developed relationships right across the domestic abuse sector.

Jo admitted to being shocked when she found out about the award.

"I was rather amazed when I received the letter," said Jo. "I'm lucky enough to have been in the privileged position of helping Respect grow and flourish, but I couldn't have done it without all the brilliant colleagues I've worked with over the years, who are the greatest bunch of people working tirelessly to make a difference, in an area where the work is challenging, and the cause unpopular. 

"This award feels like a recognition of all of our work to ensure that perpetrators of domestic abuse are held to account and I'm proud to accept it."

Jo worked in survivor support organisations for many years before shifting her focus to addressing the root cause of domestic abuse: perpetrators. 

In 1993, Jo started out by volunteering at Ipswich Women's Aid (now Lighthouse) and secured her first paid role later that year at the Andover Crisis and Support Centre.

In 1995, Jo moved to Westminster Women's Aid (now Solace Women's Aid), then to DVIP in 1997. Jo was also a founding trustee and the second Chair of Woman's trust (founded in 1996).

In 2000, Jo was one of a group of committed men and women working with perpetrators of domestic abuse who recognised the need for an organisation like Women's Aid, but for perpetrator work.

Jo was central to the organisation's formation, taking on the role of part-time Development Worker alongside her role at DVIP.

Once Respect was established, Jo then applied for and secured the role of CEO, which she has now held for 22 years.

Reflecting on the early days at Respect, Jo said: "I felt strongly that any work with perpetrators needed to have survivors and their safety at its core, and that ethos runs through Respect and our work like a stick of rock.

"Respect was set up to put perpetrators in the spotlight both in terms of individual accountability and public policy, as well as ensuring those delivering perpetrator work are supported to deliver safe and effective work."

Meanwhile, key members of the England Lionesses football team are also honoured after their outstanding performance in the summer. Squad captain Leah Williamson receives an OBE, while star player Lucy Bronze, golden boot Beth Mead, and England women's top international goal scorer Ellen White are all awarded MBEs.

A CBE has been awarded to Pat Jennings, for his football and charity service in Northern Ireland. MBEs go to Scotland's football captain Andy Robertson for his work with young people and to Chris Kamara for his charity and anti-racism work.

At DBE there is an award for Virginia McKenna, for her work in wildlife conservation and amongst the knighthoods is an award for Robin Millar, for his work in music and disabilities and Grayson Perry for services to the arts.

The honours system strives to be inclusive of all of the UK society. Of the 1,107 people on the main list who receive an award: 

• 955 candidates have been selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level: 
• 305 at BEM
• 431 at MBE 
• 219 at OBE
• 673 (60%) of the recipients are people who are recognised primarily for have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or charitable capacity;

548 women are recognised in the List, representing 50% of the total (45% of recipients at CBE level and above are women).