Surrey-based domestic abuse charity I Choose Freedom has announced global economic abuse expert Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs OBE as their first charity Ambassador. As the leading voice on economic abuse, Sharp-Jeffs conducted the first piece of research into economic abuse in the UK in 2008 and developed the Economic Power & Control Wheel.

I Choose Freedom Chief Executive, Emma Bray, said: “We warmly welcome Nicola as our Ambassador. She has unrivalled expertise in economic abuse and is a trailblazer in the violence against women sector. We know she will bring both practical skills and guidance to our lifesaving refuge services, as well as working with us as we work to support survivors back into employment and help them to rebuild their lives.”

Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs, I Choose Freedom Ambassador, said: “I am really excited to help amplify the innovative and forward-looking work undertaken by I Choose Freedom, including through their Opening Doors project. Economic safety and stability is vital for women seeking to rebuild their lives after experiencing abuse and moving forward independently – free to live the life they want.”