Rebecca Ewing and Emily Clarke are Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA) who spoke about their work supporting abused women and helping them navigate the Criminal Justice System (CJS) ‘One Domestic Violence incident is reported every minute’ Emily and Rebecca work with communities in Wycombe, Chesham and South Bucks empowering women to make choices with access to refuges, a helpline and Freedom Meetings with access to GPs and Health Care Professionals regardless of age, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, and religion on a one to one basis with their Care worker. There are many forms of Domestic Abuse: Physical sexual abuse, rape, and strangulation which are easier to prove than psychological abuse including coercive and controlling behaviour and financial constraints.   It can affect elderly people and teenagers. IDVAs are involved in Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences  (MARAC) with police, health, housing and child protection when the

Our Soroptimist sister Ros had prepared so well for the flower arranging session and traditional English afternoon tea. The weather was perfect and we sat under an awning, with a fan . It was enjoyable and relaxing, with chat and laughter. Cool drinks and then a ‘proper’ tea. We then had a whip round and raised £70 for our Kori Project which is always gratefully received. All in all we agreed it was a very pleasant afternoon. Thank you Ros !

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM SI THAMES VALLEY   Wishing all our friends and sister Soroptimists a peaceful Christmas and a healthy and successful 2022. Our sincere thanks for your continued interest and support for the Kori project in Sierra Leone, and especially the Memorial Orchard in remembrance of Johanna Raffan.