Health Minister launches new directory of services for survivors of sexual violence and abuse

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today launched a new regional directory of services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

The Regional Directory of Services is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, bringing together details on the range of services available (statutory and voluntary) across the province. It is designed for easy access and use by victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse as well as health professionals and others working in the sector.

Launching the directory at Nexus headquarters in Belfast, Mr McGimpsey said: “For the first time in Northern Ireland, information on where help can be sought for those affected by sexual violence and abuse has been collated in one place.

“With an estimated 80-85% of incidences of sexual violence going unreported, it is essential that people are made aware of the support and help available to them should they need it. So the publication today of this new directory is a hugely important step in encouraging people to come forward and seek that help and support.”

The directory consists of a broad range of information including details of specialist counselling for all victims whether children, young people or adults, information on how to report sexual violence and abuse, and details of other support services available across the province.

The Minister concluded: “I am confident the publication of the Regional Directory of Services will make a real difference to victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse. And again I would encourage those affected not to suffer in silence but to come forward and seek help.

“Working together we must make sexual violence and abuse totally and absolutely unacceptable in our society and we all have a part to play in achieving this.”

The directory will be available free from a range of public places including from GP surgeries, libraries, voluntary and community groups and online at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/wrong It has been produced in a discreet CD size booklet for members of the general public and a larger more detailed A4 binder format for professionals.

Notes to editors:

1. The ‘Tackling Sexual Violence and Abuse’ Regional Strategy was launched by Michael McGimpsey and Paul Goggins in June 2008. The strategy brought together all the relevant statutory and voluntary agencies enabling them to begin to develop a consistent and long-term approach to tackling sexual violence and abuse in Northern Ireland.

2. The Regional Directory of Services was a key initiative in the 2009/10 Action Plan within the regional strategy.

3. Around 21% of girls (1 in 5) and 11% of boys (1 in 10) experience some form of child sexual abuse. 23% of women and 3% of men experience sexual assault as an adult.

4. Information extracted from the PSNI statistics for 2008/2009 reveal:

• There were 1943 recorded sexual offences. Of these, 404 (21%) were rape and attempted rape; 1134 (58%) sexual assault/ sexual activity offences; 270 (14%) exposure offences and 135 (7%) recorded as ‘other sexual offences.’
• Of the 1943 sexual offences recorded approximately 78% of victims were female and 14% men, with gender unknown in 8% of cases.
• Nearly 55.8% of sexual offences recorded in Northern Ireland were against young people under 18 years of age and 84% of victims in this age bracket were female.

5. The Nexus Institute works across Northern Ireland to respond to the needs of adults who have experienced sexual abuse, violence or rape. It offers confidential individual and group counselling with experienced counsellors from four offices located in Belfast, Londonderry, Portadown and Enniskillen.

6. Press enquires to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520575. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.