Lesley Elliott has been named Next Woman of the Year for her efforts to change the country’s attitude towards abuse and violence within relationships.

Since forming the Sophie Elliott Foundation, Lesley has juggled her work for the foundation with her nursing job at Dunedin Public Hospital.

Every week the 64 year old travels around the country, educating schools and community groups about signs of domestic violence.

Next Editor, Sarah Henry, says Lesley has lived through every mother’s worst nightmare, but rather than let that destroy her, she has taken a stand to ensure her daughter’s death was not in vain.