Domestic abuse survivor wins Make a Difference Award
BBCA domestic abuse survivor has won the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Award for her work to help bring change to the law in the island to help others.
Suzie Mahe waived her right to lifetime anonymity in 2024 when her abuser was jailed for assaulting and raping her.
Friends and fellow women's rights campaigners have called her "inspirational" and someone who has been "pivotal" in bringing changes to the legal system in the island.
As she was given the award, Mahe said "I am shaking" and added: "I didn't expect anything… It just surprises me how many people care and how many people it's touched."
Earlier this year, five laws to protect women and girls from violent behaviour, including stalking and online abuse, were proposed by the then home affairs minister.
Mahe said: "It's so important and I'm so proud of everything that everybody has done…
"I wouldn't wish what happened to me on anybody but I know it will happen, so I think that when it does – Jersey will be a better island for them by sharing my story."
She added: "I just kept thinking about my daughter and what I would I want for her to grow up with, so I just wanted to make her proud."
Mahe's friend Arcadia Lockhart nominated her for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards.
She said: "I'm so happy and excited for her but it was emotional seeing her get the award and I didn't expect the tears."
Lockhart added: "I don't think she realises what such a big impact she's made, and she is so inspirational."
"I feel like even this award is going to bring more attention to domestic abuse and if even just by Suzie getting this award it gets someone to come forward that means a lot."
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