Despite what she calls a "pretty shitty" start to life, she emerged from a decade of childhood sexual abuse to now help other victims of abuse make the most of their future.

For her work, she was named Lifeline’s Women of Spirit award winner at a ceremony on Wednesday, recognising Canberra women who have overcome adversity and given back to the community.

"My mother, who was a victim of childhood sexual abuse herself, had severe mental issues, so when I wasn’t away with the relatives who abused me, I came home to a very mentally unwell mother, so that was difficult," she said.

"I know [this] will sound odd to a lot of people, but I’m very blessed to have had that happen in my life because I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

"I wouldn’t have overcome what I’ve overcome ... and I wouldn’t have the empathy for the one in five Australian children who are sexually abused."

The hairdresser, who owns Bond Hair Religion in Kingston, has spent her adult life helping others, be it assisting AIDS patients in the last stages of their life, volunteering as a Lifeline counsellor, or as a long-time supporter of Bravehearts, which educates and protects children from sexual assault.

She sponsors counselling for sexually abused children and most recently raised $13,000 for Bravehearts walking the Kokoda Track.

But the Woman of Spirit title still came as a surprise to her. "I don’t think I’m anyone that special really. I’m somebody [who did not have] a great beginning to my life, but I’ve been blessed with the people I have in my life who have helped me become the woman that I am."

Two other finalists, Rose Beard and Louise Bilston, were recognised at the awards. Ms Beard is now an advocate for disability, social justice and social inclusion, having endured years of abuse, suicide attempts and a long custody battle for her children, including her severely disabled son.

Ms Bilston has numerous awards as a sporting administrator, coach and volunteer, giving her time while raising three teenagers.

She learnt that "life goes on’’ after she lost her fourth baby and nearly died herself, leading to bouts of depression and a marriage breakdown.