Professor Marianne Hester, Head of the Centre for Gender and Violence Research at the University’s School for Policy Studies, has been awarded the royal accolade to acknowledge her extensive work with professionals to improve the quality of care given by the criminal justice, health and social care sectors for women and children experiencing domestic violence and abuse. 

As one of the UK’s leading researchers of gender-based violence, Professor Hester has led groundbreaking research on many aspects of violence, abuse and gender relations, including comparative research on child contact and domestic violence in Denmark and the UK, comparing domestic violence in China and the UK, and research on gender and domestic violence perpetration. Her work has directly influenced health, criminal justice and family policy and practice in the UK, Europe and other countries.

Professor Marianne Hester said: “I am delighted to have received this award. Domestic violence is a huge social problem in the UK and to know that in trying to make a difference my research has been recognised in this way is a great honour. ”