Haslemere Morning WI began 2024 with a powerful talk on surviving domestic abuse – a timely discussion ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, which highlights both women's struggles and achievements worldwide.

Emma Armstrong from the charity I Choose Freedom shared her harrowing personal experience of coercive control and physical abuse in her twenties. For years, Emma lived in fear.

Her ex-boyfriend manipulated her with threats of suicide, trapping her in a cycle of fear. When she finally left, he took his own life, and she faced further intimidation from his family. Seeking safety, she found refuge with I Choose Freedom, where she received counselling and rebuilt her life. Now a survivor, she works for the charity, helping others escape abuse.

The talk was a stark reminder of the reality many women face. Data shows that 73.5 per cent of domestic abuse victims recorded by police are female (ONS, 2023), with women making up 83 per cent of high-frequency victims (Walby and Towers, 2018). Women’s Aid reports that in 94.4 per cent of cases, the perpetrator is male, emphasising that domestic abuse is a gendered crime.

I Choose Freedom operates three communal refuges and nine self-contained units, supporting up to 39 women and 65 children at any time. Founded in 1984, the small independent charity has helped thousands of women and children find safety and rebuild their lives. The charity relies on donations, with more information available at www.ichoosefreedom.co.uk.

Following the talk, Haslemere WI continued with regular business, distributing 2025 programmes and updating their cake rota for the Hunter Centre. Emma’s story left a lasting impact, with Karyl Cragg expressing gratitude on behalf of WI members. Haslemere Morning WI remains committed to supporting women’s causes, fostering community, and continuing its tradition of education and advocacy.