The Suffolk-based chief executive of a national domestic abuse charity was "amazed" to discover she has received a CBE in the New Year's honours list.

Jo Todd, 53, who lives in Felixstowe, has been awarded a CBE in recognition of her services to victims of domestic abuse.

Ms Todd said she was "amazed" when she received the news, adding: "I'm lucky enough to be in the privileged position of helping Respect grow and flourish, but I couldn't have done it without all the brilliant colleagues I've worked with over the years.

"They are the greatest bunch of people working tirelessly to make a difference, in an area where the work is challenging and the cause unpopular."

Ms Todd has been the chief executive of Respect, a charity which works with perpetrators, male victims, and young people using violence in their close relationships, since it was established in 2000.

In a career spanning 30 years, Ms Todd has worked with multiple domestic abuse charities, shifting her focus from survivor support organisations to addressing the root cause of domestic abuse.

In 1993, she joined Ipswich Women's Aid, now Lighthouse, as a volunteer and later that year started at the Andover Crisis and Support Centre.

Two years later, she moved to Westminster Women's Aid and then to the Domestic Violence Intervention Project in 1997.

She was also a founding trustee and the second chair of the Woman's Trust.

In 2000, Ms Todd was one of a group that wanted to work with perpetrators of domestic abuse to tackle the root cause and it was here that national charity Respect was formed.

"I felt strongly that any work with perpetrators needed to have survivors and their safety at its core, and that ethos runs through Respect and our work like a stick of rock," Ms Todd said.

"Respect was set up to put perpetrators in the spotlight both in terms of accountability and public policy, as well as ensuring those delivering perpetrator work are supported to deliver safe and effective work."