When Christel Osman's phone rings in the middle of the night she doesn't hesitate to answer.

She knows it could be an urgent cry for help from someone in a life or death situation.

Christel is a domestic violence case worker with the Sussex Police Anti Victimisation Unit (AVU) and has helped hundreds of vulnerable men and women suffering at the hands of their partners.

Mother-of-three Christel is never off duty, making herself available to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Her dedication stems from the fact that many years ago she too was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of a former partner.

Her colleague Suchi Chatterjee, race liaison officer with the AVU, says she regularly watches Christel go beyond the call of duty and believes she deserves to be honoured in this year's inaugural The Argus Achievement Awards.

Suchi said: "Christel is often being called at home by tearful men and women and will go into dangerous and often volatile situations to help a person in need.

"She gives 110 per cent. She is a lifeline and a friend to anyone who has suffered violence at the hands of someone they love.

"She is brilliant at her job. She shows compassion, kindness and doesn't pity the victims. She's just there for them.

"She may be putting her life on the line by going into a house where there is a potential for violence but that person will not have the strength to come through it without Christel behind her.

"Sometimes she comes in with bags under her eyes and you know she has been up all night with a victim.

"She also has a great rapport with the police officers. Her work has made them a lot more aware of domestic violence."

Christel, who lives in Brighton, said: "I've been a victim of domestic violence myself so I know what it feels like.

"It was quite a few years ago but I still remember how helpless I felt and how terrible it was to feel you had no one to turn to.

"When you know what it feels like, you just want to be there for others in the same position.

"They just need somebody who will listen and understand, who doesn't judge them or put pressure on them.

"They often don't want the relationship itself to end, just the violence. My role is to support them in whatever decision they want to make."

Christel, who is a qualified nurse, gives out her mobile phone and pager numbers to clients in a bid to reassure them help will always be at hand, no matter when violence might strike.