The Queen has said she found it “terrifying” to “scratch the surface” of the extent of violence against women and girls around the world.

Attending a Commonwealth women’s forum and reception in Antigua, she urged activists working to end physical and sexual violence against women to “just keep going”, adding “thank you so much”.

In a speech to delegates at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, she said the world must listen to women when they ask for help and said there was “confidence” that the era of violence against females could end.

In a small garden reception afterwards, with survivors and women working in the sector, she said about abuse: “I’m trying to get people to talk about it more so it’s not taboo.”

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.

Camilla quoted Antiguan cricket legend Sir Viv Richards, the celebrity she met on Sunday at Antiguan independence day celebrations, and described him as a “national hero”.

She said: “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.”

The Queen 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.”