Sophie's mother flagging abuse signs

Kristin Dunne-Powell. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Lesley Elliott and high profile domestic violence victim Kristin Dunne-Powell have teamed up to save young women from abuse.

Next month the Sophie Elliott Foundation for Young Women will be unveiled with the help of Auckland University of Technology students.

Elliott has already started the foundation's work by visiting Year 12 and 13 students in high schools in Dunedin to tell Sophie's story and give advice on how to spot the warning signs of abuse.

Kristin Dunne-Powell is a trustee. She was the partner of disgraced former TVNZ sports presenter Tony Veitch who pleaded guilty to injuring her.

Elliott said the foundation's mission was to raise awareness of the signs of abuse.

Elliott said she wanted the foundation to help women for many years.

She admired the work of similar organisations such as Women's Refuge. "But they're like the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. I want to be at the top [of the cliff]."

Elliott said she owed it to her daughter to help others avoid bad relationships. "If Sophie and I had been aware of the signs of abuse then maybe she would be alive today".