Government Unveils Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Domestic and Sexual Abuse
In an effort to create a society where domestic and sexual abuse are not tolerated, the Northern Ireland government has launched a new strategy aimed at preventing and addressing these pervasive issues. Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt jointly unveiled the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy, highlighting the urgent need for a whole society approach to tackle these forms of abuse.
Data presented in the strategy revealed alarming statistics, with domestic abuse being reported to police every 16 minutes on average and a sexual offence occurring every two hours. These figures underscore the severity and prevalence of domestic and sexual abuse in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the importance of implementing effective measures to address these issues.
Ministers Long and Nesbitt emphasized that domestic and sexual abuse cannot be addressed in isolation and require a collaborative effort from all sectors of society. The voices of victims, including children and young people, must be prioritized and integrated into decision-making processes to ensure that their needs are met and their experiences are acknowledged.
As part of the strategy, the government announced the establishment of the Children’s Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (SOLA) scheme, which aims to provide free legal advice to children and young people affected by sexual crimes. Additionally, a small grant scheme will support the crucial work carried out by community and voluntary organizations in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
During the launch event held at the NSPCC’s Belfast headquarters, Minister Long stated, “We are committed to creating a society in Northern Ireland where domestic and sexual abuse are not tolerated, where victims receive the support they need, and where those responsible are held to account. This strategy is our sincere attempt to deliver on that aim, ensuring that no one has to live in fear of abuse.”
Minister Nesbitt echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that everyone has the right to live a life free from the fear of domestic and sexual abuse. The strategy is rooted in evidence-based practices and aims to build on existing knowledge while actively listening to the experiences of those affected by abuse.
The seven-year strategy is structured around five pillars: partnership, prevention, children & young people, support and provision, and justice. Each pillar addresses a crucial aspect of addressing domestic and sexual abuse, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, prevention, victim support, and accountability.
Bronagh Muldoon, Assistant Director of NSPCC Northern Ireland, commended the launch of the strategy, particularly highlighting the focus on children and young people. Muldoon emphasized the long-lasting impact of sexual abuse in childhood and the trauma caused by witnessing domestic abuse, reinforcing the need for comprehensive support services to address these issues.
The strategy’s three-year action plan outlines a range of initiatives and actions under each pillar, with a commitment to developing further action plans in response to emerging challenges and new evidence. The strategy is closely aligned with the Executive’s Ending Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy, with a crucial emphasis on inclusivity and gender neutrality.
As part of the strategy, domestic abuse is defined as threatening, controlling, coercive behavior, violence, or abuse inflicted by an intimate partner or family member, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Sexual abuse is defined as any harmful behavior of a sexual nature inflicted on an individual, irrespective of demographic characteristics.
To access support, individuals can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline at 0808 802 1414 or email help@dsahelpline.org. Additional support services are available through organizations such as Carafriend, HERe NI, Men’s Advisory Project, NSPCC, Victim Support NI, and Women’s Aid.
In conclusion, the launch of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy marks a significant step towards creating a safer and more supportive society in Northern Ireland. By prioritizing prevention, victim support, and accountability, the government aims to address the root causes of domestic and sexual abuse while empowering survivors to seek justice and healing. Through a collaborative and inclusive approach, the strategy seeks to create a society where abuse is not tolerated, and all individuals can live free from fear and harm.