I am delighted to announce that I have been appointed by Harrods as the Independent Survivor Advocate
Former owner and Chairman of Harrods Mohamed Fayed was a predator who exploited his position and power to systematically abuse women in various contexts. There are currently 290 individuals engaged in the Harrods process.
Like many of you, I have been closely following the stories of the courageous survivors who have come forward. Each account underscores the significant power imbalances that allowed these abuses to occur in plain sight. This brings back painful memories of my own experience of sexual harassment and intimidation from a senior peer in the House of Lords, the first such complaint. I deeply understand the challenges of reporting, having kept my silence for over a decade. Reporting was one of the most difficult experiences of my life and my silence only allowed the experience to fester within me, like a hidden secret that slowly eroded my well-being. Like many survivors, I learned to develop strategies to mask my pain.
Fortunately, my complaint was upheld, leading to reforms and an independent inquiry that established important institutional changes to support victims and survivors of sexual harassment and bullying. This experience has given me a deeper understanding of the necessity of treating survivors as individuals, as each of their experiences is unique. All engagements must be trauma-informed, as reliving experiences of abuse is never easy and can be triggering.
Harrods has established a compensation scheme to support those affected by allegations of sexual abuse involving Mohamed Fayed and my role is independent and an extension to this support. Central to this role will be ensuring that the claims process is trauma-informed, thus providing victims and survivors with choices, access, and a clear understanding of referral pathways.
I have dedicated three decades to breaking the silence of those who have been abused, and my goal will be to ensure that these survivors have an independent voice. I recognise why survivors may hesitate to contact the very organisation where the abuse occurred, but my role will provide them with an option for an independent contact and support outside Harrods.
I am honoured to be part of this initiative and believe that Harrods is committed to getting this right.
