This month was our AGM. President Anne reviewed what had been an action-packed year and was unanimously re-elected, as were our Secretary and Treasurer who also gave brief reports.

Denman College, the WI national residential education centre, has been sold for over £8m.

Members voted to support the resolution going forward to the national AGM later this year: greater recognition, diagnosis and support for women and girls suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. Sub-groups are thriving.

The film fans are going to see Downton Abbey, and nine members and four dogs enjoyed Shirley's circular walk from the Leisure Centre.

Our speaker this month was Ursula Lindenberg from Voices, a Bath-based charity that helps Somerset women experiencing domestic abuse. People think of a refuge as the typical option, but this is really a last resort and there are a range of other services. The national Freedom Programme can help women understand the signs of unhealthy, controlling relationships, and there are plans to set up groups in Wells and Glastonbury. Recovery Toolkit programmes provide counselling, and social groups.

An important aspect of Voices' work is training professionals to raise awareness of how to recognise and manage situations involving domestic abuse. Clients include the police, probation service, midwives and first responders. Voices is also working with University of Bristol Medical School researchers and trainee GPs. Women can be helped to get back into work, with housing and legal problems, or with concerns about children. A hardship fund can make crisis grants. Ursula described what they do as providing some of the missing pieces of the jigsaw. People can refer themselves, or make contact to talk about friends or relatives. The response is not rigid, because one size does not fit all. Ursula and 6 part time staff are currently supporting around 115 women, and people typically need support for 1-2 years.

Ursula asked us some questions and our answers revealed the extent to which the problem is underestimated. We learned that 25% of crime involves domestic abuse; that 3 women a day are killed by their partners compared to 22 men per year; that 33% of women will experience it to some degree; that a woman is typically assaulted 35 times before seeking help; and that women are more likely to be assaulted when they are pregnant, because this can be a difficult time involving power and control when women are vulnerable. In 2016 there were 275 refuges in England, 34 fewer than in 2010. Drink, drugs, stress and mental illness do not cause domestic abuse - although they can co-exist - because the cause is learned behaviour. We talked about the difficult balance between promoting services with the need for discretion and privacy and finding ways for women to disclose fears safely. We asked how we might help practically. The main need is for funds, and donations can be made through the website https://localgiving.org/charity/voices.

Voices is building a bank of volunteers able to provide transport, DIY, skills or mentoring. Sometimes a woman will need household items, and school uniforms and shoes are always in demand. However sometimes it is the little things that mean a lot, like a handmade blanket or toy, or a small luxury like a lovely candle. And the gift of friendship is all important – we plan to organise a picnic in the park this summer. As Ursula said, good thing happen when women come together!

We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be on 7 June, for once not at Wells Museum but on a visit to the Wells Almshouses. More information can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Wellssomersetwi

Veronica Howe