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Domestic abuse survivor 'inspirational' to others

Chris CraddockJersey communities reporter
BBC Suzie is seated on a sofa wearing a bright blue dress with a red and yellow floral pattern. A small tattoo is visible near her shoulder, with cushions and a plain wall in the background.BBC
Suzie Mahe has shared her story of domestic abuse to help others

Friends and fellow women's rights campaigners have called a domestic abuse survivor "inspirational" and someone who has been "pivotal" in changing the law to help others.

Suzie Mahe waived her right to lifetime anonymity in 2024 when her abuser was jailed for assaulting and raping her.

Since then she has used her story to raise awareness about the issue in Jersey and the publicity has led to changes in the law to better support and protect other survivors.

Mahe has been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards for her work.

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Kate Wright from women's refuge Freeda has praised Mahe's work

Kate Wright, CEO of the women's refuge Freeda, said "she's an incredible human being" and "I hope her story encourages other survivors to come forward and get help".

She added: "Because of her bravery, because of the way she's spoken up – she was pivotal in changing sentencing guidelines particularly around rape."

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.

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Close friend Arcadia Lockhart wants others to celebrate Suzie Mahe's achievements

Arcadia Lockhart has known Mahe since they were in primary school together and nominated her for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards.

She said "Suzie is so inspirational to me" and "she's so humble".

"I think it's really important that we celebrate these achievements because there's been so many changes from just her sharing her story," Lockhart added.

Mahe has also spoken in the UK Parliament about her experience in a bid to help other survivors across the British Isles.

Suzie is wearing a dark padded jacket and stands outdoors in front of a large yellow and white banner reading “Orange World – Say No to Violence Against Women.”
Mahe has joined several campaigns since sharing her story of domestic abuse

The BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others in their communities with the winner of the awards due to be announced in September.

Mahe was surprised at her nomination saying "you just never feel that you've done anything significant" and "I never expected it to come to this point".

She said: "I'm hoping as a result of speaking out and being in the public eye it is just encouraging other women and men going through domestic abuse to go to the police and understand there are now laws in place to support victims."

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