Queen Máxima on domestic violence survivors: “Brave”

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has called domestic violence survivors “brave” after hearing their stories in Rijswijk.

The Queen and Finnish First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb heard the stories from domestic violence victims during the Finnish State Visit to the Netherlands.

They heard from relatives of femicide victims and female domestic violence victims.

The Queen spoke to a man whose relative was murdered by her partner. He shared that her children witnessed her death and that one of them believes men are “evil.”

Queen Máxima told him, “He needs the example of a kind man.”

Her Majesty said the survivors were “very brave” for sharing their stories and added, “You are a tremendous inspiration.”

The Queen and First Lady also heard from stakeholders of a domestic violence working group about the approach to the issue and said there is much still to be done.