During November, Hassocks WI were busy campaigning to stop violence against women. “From 26th November to 10th December, we joined in with ten days of activism,” says Gerry Dandridge (pictured), President of Hassocks WI. “It was so successful,” says Gerry, “that I’ve already booked the Police Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, to come and speak to us next November.”
In 2019, the National WI launched a campaign called ‘No More Violence to Women and Girls’. In 2023, the Hassocks group crocheted for the cause and made an eye-catching banner of orange flowers to heighten awareness. “We had such a positive response,” says Gerry, “that we continued our campaign and, in November 2025, the banner was once again on display in Adastra Park and the group continue to collaborate with Safe in Sussex to spread this important message.
Gerry, who spoke on Mid-Sussex Radio about the campaign, says: “On average, it takes a woman seven years to leave an abusive partner, and Safe in Sussex provide valuable tools to help someone cope in the meantime. Find out more at www.safeinsussex.co.uk Anyone who is concerned could also chat online or browse the website at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk Or get support on the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: call 0808 2000 247. And, remember, Hassocks village has designated safe spaces at Freedom leisure and Boots.
Hassocks WI is thriving with 74 active members. In January, Hassocks WI will be busy creating breast cancer cushions for the specialist centre in Preston Park where a member’s daughter works. Gerry elaborates: “This is a very useful campaign for January and members can chat while stuffing cushions, regardless of the weather outside.”
“All WI groups are slightly different,” says Gerry. But you can find out more about what’s going on from our website.” Other activities undertaken in 2025 included a drumming workshop and linedancing. As well as regular events such as the monthly craft club, plans for 2026 include making knicker bunting to highlight ovarian cancer, organising a maker’s fair in the autumn, and talks from The Sussex Dolphin Project and colour consultant, Michaela Sargent.
Did you know...?
By County Councillor Erika Woodhurst-Trueman I attended a brilliant, but deeply worrying event hosted by Hassocks WI about stopping violence against women and girls. The event hosted speakers from SafeinSussex, Sussex Police and Hassocks Sports Centre. Here are some points raised. *TRIGGER WARNING*
• In 2025, one in eight women experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking
• A woman dies every three days from domestic violence
• Last year, for the first time, that three-day figure was outstripped by the number of women committing suicide because they couldn’t see a way out
• Less than 1 in 100 cases results in a conviction
• 1 in 5 children will witness or experience domestic abuse
• Young women aged 16-24 are more likely than any other age group to be victims of sexual assault
• 16-19 is the most common age group for perpetrators of rape and serious sexual offences
• A 2021 Offsted survey found that 88% of girls experienced being sent sexual pictures or videos they did not want to see (Boys = 49%)
• Less than 20% of domestic abuse incidents are reported - women feel they won’t be believed, they can’t see a way out or a future, they know cases take years to come to court
• Jurors hearing these kinds of cases receive no training, yet expert panels are being trialled for some fraud cases
Fight for a better future
• Get informed – parental controls aren’t enough
• Talk to young people openly and honestly
• Challenge misogynistic behaviour
• Campaign for change – better funding and tax reduction for support services, changes to the justice system, improvements to the national curriculum, more effective police powers over abusers
• Get behind local support services like Safe in Sussex, Worth and Rise
• Look out for each other
If you are worried about someone:
• Reach out – ‘Are you ok?’
• Listen
• Believe
• Make it clear support is out there
• If they aren’t ready to open up, try again another time
Where to find help...
You can find help and more information in the links below and in person help at Hassocks Sports Centre. The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
www.safeinsussex.co.uk
www.riseuk.org.uk