Queen Camilla praises work of support group who have 'touched, changed and saved lives'

Commenting today, Camilla said: "Almost exactly a year ago, I visited SVSG and was immediately struck by your outstanding work with victims of abuse throughout Samoa.

"You have, I know, touched, changed and saved lives across the island and I am proud to stand with you as we seek to end these heinous crimes forever."

SVSG has provided vital support to victims of crime and abuse through their professional services and advocacy.

The organisation aims to empower survivors to help rebuild their lives and works to build safer communities for women, children and vulnerable populations.

Camilla's patronage illustrates her longstanding commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

It also focuses on supporting organisations that provide refuge, advocacy and hope to those who need it.

The Royal Family marked the occasion as part of the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The international campaign, which is running up until December 10, calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Camilla delivered a moving speech in Samoa last year at an event organised by the Commonwealth in recognition of its efforts to end gender-based violence.

She opened the speech by saying: "Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a huge pleasure to be here with you today.

"I would, first, like to thank the people of Samoa for the warm welcome that my husband and I have received and for your hospitality and generosity to us and to the whole Commonwealth family."

Impressing the room with her skills in speaking the Samoan language, Camilla added: "I was delighted recently to come across the wonderful Samoan prover: E au le Inailau a Tama'ita'i.

"With apologies to the men in the room, I thought that we might make this our motto today."

The phrase "E au le Inailau a Tama'ita'i" means "women can achieve anything" in English.

The Queen added: "According to a legend, a competition was once held between men and women in a village to thatch the roof of the house of Chief Tautunu.

"Although they started at the same time, the women finished their side first, as they had laboured through the night, while the men slept."

Camilla made a sweet joke about her husband, King Charles, saying: "As one whose husband is often toiling into the small hours, long after my head is on the pillow, I should stress there are plenty of exceptions!

"But the moral of the proverb is: Women will turn their hands successfully to any task that must be done; and will work hard until it is completed."

The Queen continued: "As we gather to discuss our theme, 'Advocating for Women and Girls in the Commonwealth', we have a gigantic task ahead of us, for which we all - male and female - will need the same spirit that inspired those women thatchers.

"It is this: to end domestic and sexual violence across the Commonwealth, now and forever. And its enormity can be seen from the shocking statistics.

"Globally, 30 per cent of women have been subjected to either physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Most of this at the hands of an intimate partner. Worldwide, 27 per cent of women aged 15-49 who have been in a relationship, report that they have experienced some sort of abuse from their partners.

"Faced with the vastness of the issue, it can seem almost impossible to know where to begin. Yet our Commonwealth's 75-year history offers hope, inspiration and - crucially - solutions. Leaders from around the globe are willing to meet, as equals, and to have difficult, and constructive, conversations.

"We know that abuse can be prevented and ultimately eliminated, but only if we work together until that task is completed. That is our commitment - to each other, to the Commonwealth and to the generations to come. E au le Inailau a Tama'ita'i. Thank you."

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