SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

King Charles III

Camilla shows support during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week

During Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, the Duchess of Cornwall learned how media is being used to support those affected by domestic abuse.

The Duchess joined former Love Island star Zara McDermott at Paddington Haven, a sexual assault referral centre in West London. During the engagement, McDermott spoke on her experience of revenge porn and assault and how social media has played a role in helping other women: “I have spent the last two and a half years making documentaries from my experience about sexual assault and abuse directed at women and young people. 

“To be honest now that I have social media profile out there are so many young people coming to me and saying ‘Zara, I have been raped, what do I do? I can’t tell my family, I can’t tell my friends’. They come because they see it as a safe space and know that I will listen. But there’s only so much I can do.”

The visit, which falls during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, follows the launch of a new NHS campaign to raise awareness of SARCs. SARCs offer a wide range of services including crisis care, medical exams, and testing for sexually transmitted infections. There are centres located across the country that offer practical, medical, and emotional support around the clock.

During the tour, the Duchess met with individuals with first-hand experience and learned of the successes of the Wash Bag Project. The project gives bags to women featuring a range of toiletries for victims to use, offering a small gesture of comfort and familiarity during a very sensitive time. The Duchess then ended the visit by unveiling a plaque to commemorate the engagement.

During the visit, Camilla said to women who shared their experiences: “I think you are incredibly brave women, even braver to come out and talk about it so publicly. But you are so needed. Other have to be encouraged to do the same. They can feel that they are not the only one.

“It was always a taboo subject, never talked about, swept under the carpet, very hush hush. But now people are understanding it so much more. We have all between us got to get out there and keep going.”

The Duchess also visited Thames Valley Partnership in Aylesbury, another charity for domestic abuse survivors. She also spoke publicly for the first time after The Queen announced her formal blessing for her to become Queen Consort when her son, Prince Charles, ascends the throne.

The engagements also came hours after Clarence House announced the Prince of Wales, 73, had tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time. Under current laws, close contacts who are fully vaccinated are not required to isolate.

About author

My name is Sydney Zatz and I am a University of Iowa graduate. I graduated with a degree in journalism and sports studies, and a minor in sport and recreation management. A highlight of my college career was getting the chance to study abroad in London and experiencing royal history firsthand. I have a passion for royals, royal history, and journalism, which led me to want to write for Royal Central.