My lived experiences with violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, stalking, harassment and toxic environments heightened my awareness that perpetrators are often void of boundaries; anyone can become a victim at any time and anywhere. Places where we should be safe are increasingly unsafe both physically and online. Indeed, during my time as a Family Magistrate, I witnessed behaviours repeated from one generation to the next. While my experiences do not define me, they provide an opportunity to help others break the negative behaviour cycle to create safer and healthier environments to live, work and socialise. I believe in a holistic approach; having the ability to ask difficult questions and integrating preventive measures into practice can lead to positive change.

In 2007, I graduated with an MSc in Security in  Risk Management from the University of Leicester and attained the level of Fellow and Chartered Security Professional. During the last year, I became a Domestic Abuse Champion and completed the ASIST applied suicide intervention skills first aid training. I also hold an enhanced DBS certificate. 

Previously, I have served on several boards, participated in various roundtable discussions, and worked with professional groups to launch pilot schemes, such as the ‘latchkey’ child project in the nineties, when I set up an out-of-school care facility in an area of high deprivation. Education remains a passion of mine, and I continue to be a strong advocate of the apprenticeship scheme, which offers a skills-based education alongside the opportunity to earn while achieving a qualification and improving employment opportunities.