Jo Todd CBE, Respect’s CEO and founder, has been awarded an honorary doctorate from The University of Essex in recognition of her decades of work tackling domestic abuse.
Professor Nigel South of the university’s Department of Sociology and Centre for Criminology introduced Jo, commenting that “Jo has put survivors of domestic abuse at the heart of what she does” and “been at the forefront of developments in how we deal with the perpetrators of domestic abuse.” Professor South also shared words from colleagues in the sector, such as the Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs, who recalled Jo’s “pioneering early work in behaviour change programmes” and said she “has been a visionary from the start of her career.”
Jo congratulated the graduates on their achievement and encouraged them to find their tribe and their purpose, explaining that the women’s groups and volunteering opportunities at the University of Essex helped her find hers. While reflecting on her journey, Jo highlighted the importance of gaining her practical skills on the frontline: “I still remember the women and children I worked with thirty years ago. I hold them in my mind and in my heart. They have been my touchstone and have influenced everything I've done since.”
Everyone at Respect would like to share their congratulations on this well-deserved recognition of Dr Jo Todd CBE’s tireless work towards a world where everyone is free from domestic abuse.