Leaders across the world meet to tackle sexual violence at annual One Young World Summit

A sexual assault survivor has told how she lost herself, her confidence and her voice after being attacked, as she joined a summit to tackle sexual and gender-based violence.

Young leaders from across the world have come together to tackle both issues at the annual One Young World Summit, in The Hague.

On Thursday, at the summit, a group of 11 were introduced to the delegates as the voices tasked with leading the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

Sexual assault survivor Queen Kgeresi was one of the individuals selected to talk.

The Botswana native broke down in tears as she shared how she was attacked when she was just nine years old.

She siad: "There were so many losses attached to this violence. The loss of myself, my confidence, my dignity, my self worth and my voice.”

After regaining her voice, she founded the DreamHub to support marginalised groups, focusing on gender-based victims and teen mothers.

Her platform provides an intergenerational dialogue to help get people educated and break the cycle of violence.

She added: “Whenever we think of a perpetrator we attach a certain face to theirs.

"A face that looks like a monster, but sometimes it's someone that you look up to, someone who is supposed to care, someone who is supposed to love you or someone who visited your home.”

Others selected included 24-year-old Grace Forrest, founder of the Walk Free Foundation, who aims to end modern slavery.

Child sexual abuse survivor and author Stephen Land, who was also selected, works as an advocator for men and boys who have been victims of sexual abuse.

The group will travel across the world, working with communities to produce influential resources and curriculums that will lend a hand in educating the prevention of sexual violence.

Their work, research and expertise will be presented to national and international decision-markers and organisations.

Expert mentors from non-profit, international, academic and government sectors will also support the groups.

One Young World counsellors — actors Amber Heard, Rosario Dawson and Terry Crews, journalist Fatima Bhutto and designer Abrima Erwiah — will also be providing a helping hand.

For more information follow the hashtag #YLASV on social media.