The Queen relaunches the Wash Bag Project in support of survivors of sexual abuse

The Queen graciously hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace, expressing her gratitude to organizations and individuals for their tireless efforts in supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Additionally, Her Majesty took the opportunity to relaunch the Wash Bags project, underscoring her ongoing commitment to this crucial cause.

Since her official visit to the Croydon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre in 2009, addressing violence against women has emerged as a focal point of Her Majesty’s efforts. Demonstrating her dedication to this cause, she has embarked on visits to various projects and initiatives worldwide aimed at combating sexual assault. These endeavors encompass both immediate support for survivors in the aftermath of their assault and longer-term assistance to aid in their recovery.

The event also commemorated the relaunch of The Queen’s Wash Bags initiative, which involves distributing bags containing essential toiletries to Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) throughout the country.

The Wash Bags project originated in 2013 with a pilot initiative at the Havens. The term “Havens” refers to the three SARCs located in London, where the distribution of wash bags to victims commenced after they underwent forensic examinations.

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Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) provide crucial support to victims in the immediate aftermath of an incident. They specialize in conducting forensic examinations, offering these services regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to authorities.

In her address at the event, Her Majesty shared a touching letter from a survivor who expressed gratitude for “the kindness of strangers at a very dark time” upon receiving a washbag. She extended her heartfelt appreciation to everyone present who has supported survivors in various capacities, whether through volunteering, donations, or professional assistance.

Thank you for sharing your stories, thank you for your kindness, thank you for not remaining strangers to those enduring the darkest of times

Since 2017, Boots has been a proud supporter of Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s Wash Bags initiative. To date, Boots has generously donated over 50,000 wash bags filled with essential toiletries, which are distributed to Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) throughout the UK. In December 2023, Boots reaffirmed its commitment to the cause by pledging donations for an additional three years. During this period, Boots will provide a further 9,500 bags annually, benefitting 65 SARCs across the country.

Since 2017, Boots has been a steadfast supporter of Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s Wash Bags initiative. To date, Boots has generously donated over 50,000 wash bags filled with essential toiletries, which are distributed to Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) throughout the UK. In December 2023, Boots reaffirmed its commitment to the cause by pledging donations for an additional three years. During this period, Boots will provide a further 9,500 bags annually, benefiting 65 SARCs across the country.