Marie Brown MBE's work with abuse victims is acknowledged

Now that work has been acknowledged in a very tangible way - with an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

One of just three people to receive an award in the City this time round, Marie accepted the 'gong' in truly modest fashion, insisting that it was team effort that had resulted in the accolade.

Although she found out that she had been put forward for an MBE in October, Marie admitted that she still has no idea who put her name forward to receive the MBE.

"The letter came while I was away and I was very taken aback by it. I have no idea whatsoever of who put me forward for it," she said.

Prior to working with Foyle Women's Aid, Marie ran a day care nursery in Ballymena, but her work with FWA is very rewarding, she said.

"It is a great team, and while I got the MBE, I want to highlight that it is recognition for the organisation and for the team, who work very hard. It was very much a team effort, it is about the work and I think the whole team at Foyle Women's Aid have done a terrific job," she said.

Among the major highlights of the past 16 years, Marie said the new developments that had taken place were those which she noticed most.

"We have developed quite a lot of projects in line with women, and the greatest achievement is that we never left the women in need. We listened to what their needs were and we let them guide us as to how to develop. We let them guide us.

"Even since I have been there, there have been lots of changes in terms of women coming forward and the types of women coming forward, and the needs of women coming forward. We are seeing a lot more work being done and a lot more women in private homes, a lot more older women and a lot more younger women, and we continue to widen the services we have to meet the needs of those who seek them," she said.

Marie said there had been a steady increase each year in the numbers of women reporting domestic violence and in the numbers of women seeking help.

Modestly, she added: "While I head up the team, there is something special about them and they are very committed to the issue and to the work, and that is special and has helped us develop and look at our services and help develop them and make them better."