Each and every one of you holds a significant narrative: whether you are working locally or internationally, whether you are based in a shelter, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, a charitable organization, Parliament, or most importantly, if you are a survivor.
Your stories and experiences are essential tools in our quest for change: towards creating a world where individuals, regardless of who they are or where they live, do not have to live in fear of being victimized.
As many victims have expressed, speaking out about their experiences is crucial in overcoming them.
By coming together today and sharing, we can strengthen our united front against all forms of sexual abuse.
Today, we are also here to celebrate the relaunch of the washbags initiative, with immense gratitude to Boots and In Kind Direct for making it possible.
The idea of the washbags originated in 2012 when I began to understand the devastating impact of sexual violence and its aftermath on survivors.
It is needless to mention that each year, in England and Wales alone, almost 800,000 women and 275,000 men encounter attempted or actual sexual assault – though the actual numbers are likely much higher.
The objective behind the washbags was to provide a small comfort to individuals in the midst of such a horrendous situation.
In 2017, with the support of many of you present here, I was thrilled to launch the initiative at Boots’ headquarters in Nottingham.
As I emphasized earlier, listening to survivors is paramount.
Throughout the years, I have had the honor of meeting individuals and receiving letters from many who have unfortunately experienced sexual assault.
Some have visited SARCs and were given a washbag after the forensic examination process.
I hold a letter from a particular lady, who graciously allowed me to quote from it.
She wrote to me about her courageous daughter, whom I will refer to as Jane.
Two years ago, Jane underwent a full forensic examination at a SARC, accompanied by her mother and sister, shortly after being assaulted.
Her mother described this as “a horrific but necessary event.
We were about to leave, all feeling disheartened and low.
Then, Jane’s personal contact returned with a delightful bag of toiletries and items for relaxation and pampering.
This simple act completely shifted the atmosphere, lifting our spirits.
It was a lovely and unexpected gesture that reminded my daughters and me of the benevolence of strangers during a dark time.
”
This letter deeply touched me.
The sentiment “the kindness of strangers during a dark hour” embodies the essence of all your efforts: extending a hand of friendship to those who have been dehumanized in the cruelest ways; providing solace to the traumatized; and instilling hope that physical and emotional recovery is attainable, as Jane can testify.
To each and every one of you, I express my heartfelt gratitude.
Thank you for sharing your stories, for your compassion, for not remaining strangers to those enduring the darkest of moments, and above all, thank you for standing up and dedicating yourselves to eradicating these atrocious crimes – forever.