Speaking about the campaign Mr McGimpsey said: “Sexual violence and abuse have a devastating impact on victims, their families and wider society. Last year there were 1,943 recorded sexual offences, however this we know is only the tip of the iceberg.
“Many people in our society are suffering as a result of sexual violence and abuse and we all need to be aware that this is happening to a greater extent than many of us think, and often is perpetrated by people we know. This unfortunately is the reality.”
“I believe that the best approach to tackling this issue is prevention and the campaign seeks to raise awareness and understanding amongst the general public.”
Supporting the launch Paul Goggins said: “I hope that this campaign will send out a strong message that challenging sexual violence and abuse is the responsibility of the whole community.
“It also aims to reassure the victims of such heinous crimes that when they do speak out the law is on their side.
“The courts now have a wide range of tough new penalties to punish those who break the law and can send the most dangerous sexual and violent offenders to prison, until it is safe to release them.”
The public information campaign launched on Sunday 1 November and will run until the end of March 2010. The campaign will be delivered through a number of advertising channels including TV, radio, online sites and outdoor billboards across Northern Ireland.
Minister McGimpsey continued: “As a society, it is incumbent on each and every one of us to recognise that sexual violence and abuse is happening and many people are suffering as a result. These people need to be supported in seeking help. I would encourage anyone affected by sexual violence and abuse to contact Lifeline in confidence for support.”
Lifeline can be contacted on 0808 808 8000 and lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are free from all landlines and mobile phones.
Notes to editors:
- The campaign advertisement can be viewed on the NIDirect homepage. Supporting information on the campaign can be accessed at nidirect.
- The Strategy ‘Tackling Sexual Violence and Abuse, A Regional Strategy 2008-2013’ was launched in June 2008. The five year Strategy sets out what the Government intends to do to tackle the issue of sexual violence and abuse across Northern Ireland. The second Action Plan published covers the period April 2009 to March 2010 and contains a variety of activities to ensure continuity in working towards achieving the key aims and objectives of the Strategy. Implementation of the actions is the responsibility of relevant government departments, their agencies, and voluntary and community sector organisations.
- The Regional Strategy is available on the DHSSPS website.
- The 2009/2010 Sexual Violence Action Plan is available on the DHSSPS website and on the NIO website.
- The helpline provider chosen to field calls from the general public, victims and survivors is Lifeline as its service is available to men, women and children of all ages, all backgrounds and all personal circumstances. It is a crisis response helpline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone in distress or despair.
- All calls to Lifeline are answered by qualified counsellors who are available to listen, help and support in confidence. They are experienced in dealing with a range of issues including sexual violence and abuse, self-harm, trauma, depression, anxiety and suicide.
- For further information, please contact the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 2841. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
