Six members of the panel for the national inquiry into grooming gangs have issued a statement saying they "stand with" the former members who have quit this week.
Criticising those who have "harassed and targeted" the abuse gang victims, the six women said that their treatment was "not fair" and "not right".
Sharing their statement with GB News, the women signing the letter were speaking out as four members of the panel had quit.
Fiona Goddard, Elizabeth Harper, Ellie-Ann Reynolds and a fourth anonymous victim called Jessica all quit the panel this week and called for Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips to resign.
They had all cited concerns about the scope of the inquiry being expanded, which Mrs Phillips dismissed as "untrue" and "misinformation" in the Commons, despite all members of the panel being asked about widening the inquiry's focus.
Sir Keir Starmer has said that he has full confidence in Mrs Phillips, despite the inquiry falling into chaos, with both leading candidates to chair it withdrawing amid a "toxic environment" and media pressure.
The six women, who remain on the panel, said of those who had quit: "Their voice matters deeply.
"We completely respect and support their decision, and the decision of others, to put their wellbeing first."
Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his full support for Jess Phillips
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They added: "Survivors need to be the ones leading this work. We have lived it.
"We understand the systems that failed us, and we know what must change to protect others."
The six survivors, who have used pseudonyms to protect their anonymity, also said: "We are experts by experience.
"We've turned our pain into purpose, and it's time the system finally trusted us to lead the way."
Ms Goddard resigned from the inquiry, saying in her resignation letter that the "toxic, fearful environment" led to her leaving.
Fellow victim Ms Reynolds explained that the final turning point for her was "the push to widen the remit of the national inquiry in ways that downplay the racial and religious motivations behind our abuse".
Five grooming gang survivors on the panel have called for Ms Phillips to stay on despite the backlash from those who quit the inquiry.
They said that Mrs Phillips has "devoted her life to hearing and amplifying the voices of women and girls who would have otherwise been unheard".
Fiona Goddard resigned from the inquiry due to the 'toxic, fearful environment'
| PAThe group said that they want the inquiry to cover all types of sexual exploitation, including grooming gangs, and that "anyone who believes their evidence should be included".
Sir Keir has backed Mrs Phillips in her role, saying: "The most important thing in relation to the grooming gangs is that we have the national inquiry and that absolutely gets to the truth and to justice.
"Jess has been working on issues involving violence against women and girls for many, many years."
The four survivors who left the panel have been invited back, but there is currently no sign of their return unless Ms Phillips quits.
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