Each of you holds a significant narrative: whether you are working in the UK or abroad, be it in a shelter, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, a charitable organization, Parliament, or most importantly, you are a survivor.
Your stories and experiences are indispensable tools as we strive to instigate change: creating a world where individuals, regardless of who they are or where they are from, do not have to live in fear of abuse.
As survivors often express, speaking out about their experiences is a crucial part of their healing process.
By coming together today and sharing our stories, we can fortify our united front against sexual abuse in all its guises.
Today, we also gather to celebrate the revival of the washbags initiative, with heartfelt appreciation to Boots and In Kind Direct for their indispensable contributions.
The concept of the washbags took root in 2012 when I started delving deeper into the devastating impacts of sexual violence and its aftermath on survivors.
It is unnecessary to remind you that annually in England and Wales alone, nearly 800,000 women and 275,000 men experience attempted or actual sexual assault – although the actual numbers are likely much higher.
The washbags initiative aimed to offer a small token of comfort to those trapped in such harrowing circumstances.
In 2017, with the support of many of you present here, I was overjoyed to launch the initiative at Boots' headquarters in Nottingham.
Listening to survivors is paramount, as I mentioned earlier.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting individuals and receiving letters from many who have unfortunately faced sexual assault.
Some have visited SARCs and received a washbag after the ordeal of a forensic examination.
I hold a letter in my possession from one such lady, whom I will refer to as Jane.
Two years ago, Jane underwent a full forensic examination at a SARC, alongside her mother and sister, shortly after being assaulted.
Her mother described it as a "horrible yet necessary" experience.
As they were about to depart, Jane's contact reappeared with a thoughtful bag containing toiletries and items to help her relax.
This simple gesture completely transformed the atmosphere, lifting their spirits.
It was a beautiful and unexpected act that reminded them of the kindness of strangers during a dark time.
This letter deeply touched me.
The notion of "the kindness of strangers during a dark time" reflects the essence of what all of you do: extending a hand of friendship to those who have been dehumanized in the cruelest way, offering solace to the traumatized, and instilling hope that both physical and emotional healing are attainable, as Jane can attest.
To each and every one of you, I extend my heartfelt thanks.
Thank you for sharing your stories, for your compassion, for refusing to remain strangers to those enduring the darkest of times, and, above all, for your unwavering dedication to eradicating these atrocious crimes – forever.