Lauren Hemp and her Manchester City teammates reiterated their support for victims of abuse in football as the fallout from revelations in the United States continues.
Earlier this month an independent report - dubbed the Yates Report - found that verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct "has become systemic" in the National Women's Soccer League, the top level of women's football in the US.
The findings of the inquiry, led by lawyer and former deputy attorney general Sally Yates, prompted US Soccer to say it would move immediately to implement reform. Over the past few weeks a number of figures at clubs implemented in the scandal have resigned.
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Since the 172-page report was published Barclays Women's Super League teams and the England national side have shown their support for victims of abuse in the US, and have called for this to be a turning point in women's sport.
Before their friendly against the US earlier this month the Lionesses stood in solidarity with their fierce rivals by displaying a banner reading 'protect the players' before kick-off. Similar banners were held up before the start of WSL matches this weekend, including City's 4-0 victory against Leicester City at the Academy Stadium.
Speaking after the game, City and England winger Lauren Hemp spoke of the importance of supporting those affected and encouraging others to come forward and share their experiences.
"I think it's massively important that we do as much as we can to show our support," she said. "It's absolutely disgraceful what's been going on in the US. It's important that we raise as much awareness [as possible], keep it in the news, keep pushing it and making sure that we get answers, and people feel that they can come out and share their stories.
"It shouldn't be happening in the first place, end of. It's important that we raise awareness and support everyone out there who is going through similar things."
Hemp's message echoes that of other leading figures in English women's football, including former City defender Lucy Bronze. Shortly after the report was published Bronze said she hoped that the latest findings can create lasting change in women's sport.
"The bigger picture is that them speaking out is hopefully going to make sure these type of things don’t happen again, that they can make solutions, people can be held accountable," she said.
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