Queen Camilla has described the global scale of violence against women and girls as "terrifying", urging the world to listen to victims and support them when they seek help.
Speaking at a Commonwealth women's forum and reception, she encouraged activists working to end physical and sexual violence against women to "just keep going", adding "thank you so much".
Address at Commonwealth women's forum
In a speech to delegates at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Queen said the world must listen to women when they ask for help and urged "confidence" that the era of violence against women and girls can end.
In a small garden reception afterwards, with survivors and women working in the sector, she said: "I'm trying to get people to talk about it [abuse] more so it's not taboo."
Meeting survivors and activists
Speaking to Tamara Huggins, from the Civil Society Organisation, she said: "When you start to scratch the surface, it's terrifying."
In her keynote address, the Queen spoke of the importance of actively supporting women when they seek help, and the progress she has seen when travelling around the world on royal tours.
Confidence in ending violence
Delivering the keynote speech at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting women's forum in Antigua and Barbuda, she quoted Sir Viv Richards, the cricketer she described as a "national hero", saying: "Confidence is contagious. It spreads through the team and drives us to success".
The Queen added: "That is true of cricket and it is true of this Forum. Together, we have confidence that we can – and we will – see the end of violence against women and girls, forever."
Camilla has made the prevention of physical and sexual violence against women and girls one of her key campaigning issues. She said: "We all know someone who has been personally affected by these heinous crimes. We must, therefore, all be part of the solution."
Progress across the Commonwealth
Speaking of progress around the Commonwealth, which is creating "one stop shops" to bring health, social, police, financial and legal services together under one roof to help survivors, she said: "Each country has taken the same simple idea and shaped it to suit their own culture and traditions, showing what can be achieved when the right support is given; and reminding us that progress is not only measured by the laws that are passed."
"It is also, just as importantly, demonstrated by what happens when a woman asks for assistance: if she is listened to, if she is safe, and if she receives what she needs. Every woman treated like this is another step towards the mark."
The Queen also thanked the people of Antigua and Barbuda for the "wonderfully warm welcome that my husband and I have received", adding: "We only wish that we were able to stay with you for a lot longer, to visit more of your beautiful islands."
After arriving at the American University of Antigua, she watched a performance from young women retelling a local modernised version of the story of the little mermaid to showcase the challenges faced by women today.
After her speech, she joined a reception with representatives of Commonwealth organisations working to prevent violence against women and girls, including the spouse of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Ann Marie Davis, and the spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize, Rossana Briceño.
