Private Members' Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 4:30 pm on 9 December 2024.
The next item of business is an all-party motion on the 40th anniversary of Nexus, tabled by the Women's Caucus.
I beg to move
That this Assembly congratulates Nexus on the occasion of its 40th anniversary; reaffirms its commitment to, and support for, actions to tackle all forms of sexual abuse and abusive relationships; and commends all those working to support people impacted on by sexual abuse and abusive relationships.
The Business Committee has agreed to allow up to one hour and 30 minutes for the debate. The proposer of the motion will have 10 minutes in which to propose and 10 minutes in which to make a winding-up speech. All other Members who are called to speak will have 10 minutes. Claire, please open the debate on the motion.
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. It is with appreciation and reflection that I mark the 40th anniversary of Nexus. This milestone is a recognition not just of the many years that have passed but of the lives that have been transformed and the progress that has been made in the fight against sexual and abusive relationships in Northern Ireland. As Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Assembly Women's Caucus, I believe that it is appropriate that we unite to recognise Nexus's remarkable contributions, while acknowledging the ongoing need for collective action against the horrific abuses that, sadly, remain frequent across our society.
The motion is the first of the mandate to be led by the Women's Caucus, an important cross-party forum comprised of all the current women MLAs. Its aims are to address the under-representation of women in politics and highlight the importance of women in public life. As elected representatives, we are committed not only to advancing gender equality but to being a voice on critical issues such as gender-based violence, abuse and harm. Through our shared objectives, we strive to create a society in which all individuals can live free from fear and violence.
Nexus began, 40 years ago, as a small volunteer group responding to a number of rapes in south Belfast. Today, it is an established beacon of hope and resilience that provides support to adults, children and young people impacted by sexual abuse. As well as providing critical therapeutic services, Nexus has been active in early intervention, education and prevention through training and workshops in schools, communities and organisations. Since 2019, Nexus has also managed the regional domestic and sexual abuse helpline, which offers a lifeline to those in desperate need. That invaluable service reflects its unwavering commitment to victims and survivors, regardless of their age, gender or circumstances.
Sexual abuse and abusive relationships are a profound human tragedy, inflicting deep and enduring harm on individuals, families and communities. Those crimes often occur in silence, hidden from view, leaving survivors to carry an immense burden of pain and a shame that should never be theirs to bear. The impact extends beyond the immediate victim, disrupting lives, eroding trust and casting long shadows over generations. It is a hidden shame in our society that must be confronted with courage and compassion. It is the responsibility of us all to bring attention to those issues, to ensure that survivors receive the support and justice that they deserve and to create a culture that rejects abuse in all its forms.
While we reflect on Nexus's remarkable journey, we must confront a stark reality. Violence against women and girls persists at alarming levels in Northern Ireland. Over 32,000 domestic abuse incidents were recorded last year, which is more than one and half times higher than the figure 20 years ago. Forty-two women have lost their lives to violence since 2017. Northern Ireland is one of the most dangerous places to be a woman. That is not an exaggeration; it is not open to whataboutery or diluted forms that ignore the problem. It is a shocking and unacceptable reality that underscores the critical need for the work of Nexus and other organisations. It also highlights the importance of the strategic framework to end violence against women and girls, with the goal of addressing gender-based violence at its rotten core.
In September, the cross-departmental domestic and sexual abuse strategy was published. It is built on the five pillars of partnership; prevention; children and young people; support and provision; and justice. It emphasises the need for a whole-of-society approach. We all must be committed to the strategy and to creating a society in which abuse is not tolerated, victims are supported, and perpetrators are held to account. The vital role that training and capacity-building play in achieving those goals must not be underestimated. Nexus has led the way by training over 500 police officers and members of the Public Prosecution Service's (PPS) serious crime unit to better handle cases of rape and sexual crime. Such efforts are instrumental in ensuring that there is a trauma-informed response across the justice system.
Today, we commend not only Nexus but the countless staff, volunteers and partner organisations that work tirelessly to combat sexual abuse and domestic violence. Their dedication is a lifeline to those in need, providing safety, guidance and hope in the face of unspeakable trauma. It was right that the Department of Health extended Nexus's contract before the summer, but the handling of the issue — the last-minute decision-making — tells me that the Government have much to learn. We all have much to learn. We need only look to our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland to see that our efforts and resources are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to comprehensively addressing the issue.
Ending sexual abuse and abusive relationships requires leadership, collaboration and unwavering commitment. As Members of the Assembly, we must ensure that the resources and support that organisations such as Nexus need are not only sustained but expanded. We must also foster a culture in which survivors feel safe to come forward and where attitudes that enable abuse are systematically dismantled.
The 40th anniversary of Nexus is a moment to reflect on resilience, progress and partnership, but it is also a solemn reminder of the work that remains. As we move forward, let us be guided by the vision of a society free from abuse, a society where women and girls can thrive without fear. I urge the Assembly to fully support the motion. Let us continue to prioritise the fight against sexual abuse and abusive relationships, champion the work of Nexus and other organisations and honour the courage of survivors. Together we can build a safer, more compassionate Northern Ireland.
First, I am proud to be one of those who tabled the motion. I thank the chairperson of the Women's Caucus for proposing it. It is an important motion, and it is well worth discussing here today. I hope that we do not have to appeal to Members in the Chamber to support the motion. Given the conversations and debates that have taken place over the past while, it should be a given, but we can take nothing as a given.
We are here to acknowledge and thank all those who have volunteered and worked with Nexus over the past 40 years. Since its inception in 1984, Nexus has been a source of hope and healing for countless individuals across the North and has provided essential individual support to those affected by sexual abuse and abusive relationships. Over the past four decades, Nexus has grown from being a small, volunteer-led initiative in south Belfast to a regional organisation that offers specialised counselling and educational services for adults, children and young people throughout our community. Nexus's unwavering commitment to early intervention and prevention through educational training and workshops has been instrumental in fostering awareness and understanding of those deeply challenging issues.
Despite its invaluable contributions, as has been outlined by the previous Member who spoke, Nexus has faced significant challenges, particularly with funding. In March 2024, the charity announced the cessation of its free specialist adult counselling service due to funding cuts, which impacted over 800 individuals on its waiting list. Additionally, in December 2023, funding constraints forced Nexus to halt support for children aged four to seven and to pause services for more than 60 young people aged eight to 16. Behind all those statistics is a victim — a human being — and, in that case, it means more than 60 children who are victims of abuse. If we do not ensure support for those children at the right time, when they need and want it, the chances of good life outcomes for them reduce significantly, and that is a cost to all of us. It is a cost, first, to that child and their life. It is a cost to their family, and it is a cost to society. We will pay the price for that further down the line.
We must support those who want to support our most vulnerable children. The disruptions highlight the critical need for a consistent and reliable funding model that truly understands and addresses the trauma experienced by survivors. The withdrawal and subsequent reinstatement of funds not only hinder the delivery of essential services but exacerbate the distress of those seeking support. It is imperative that we establish a funding framework that ensures uninterrupted access to specialised services and enables organisations such as Nexus to focus on their vital work without the constant threat of funding being withdrawn.
In reaffirming our commitment to combating all forms of sexual abuse and abusive relationships, we must also pledge to support the sustainability of services that aid survivors. That includes advocating funding models that are not only adequate but stable and reflective of the profound impact of trauma on individuals and communities. That is why we must continue to push forward the strategic framework to end violence against women and girls, which focuses on prevention, early intervention and support for victims. That aligns with the mission of organisations such as Nexus.
The most dangerous place in western Europe for women and children is in the North, in their home, at the hands of a male family member: not a stranger; not somebody who came from somewhere else. It is somebody whom you know and who, you thought, loved you. By ensuring consistent funding and support for these initiatives, we can work towards a safer and more equitable society for all.
I commend the remarkable efforts of Nexus over the past 40 years, and, most importantly, I think of all the victims and survivors who have used Nexus's services. I hope that it has helped them to have much better outcomes in their lives, the lives of their families and the lives of all those who come after them, because we know that this is a trans-generational issue.
It is an honour to rise today to speak to this all-party motion tabled by the Northern Ireland Assembly Women's Caucus. I thank our chair for leading on the motion.
With female representatives now composing over one third of the House, it has been a pleasure to join together in the Women's Caucus to discuss issues that we unite in sharing and supporting. Today, we join in recognising the 40th anniversary of Nexus, which started from humble beginnings as a group of volunteers in south Belfast. Today, Nexus is an organisation that supports adults, children and young people impacted by sexual abuse across Northern Ireland. We are not here to celebrate the fact that, 40 years on, there is still a need for the service; we are here to remind people that support is available.
As chair of the all-party group on domestic and sexual violence and the all-party group on the voluntary and community sector, I care about the issues. I care about the victims of those crimes and realise that they need support, and I recognise the real truth that, on the ground, it is our voluntary and community sector groups that provide most of the support that is needed. We always need to put the victims at the heart of the conversations and reflect on their needs. We give a voice to those victims in the Assembly.
Crimes of sexual violence are heinous and cause huge physical and emotional trauma to the victims. Such crimes are significantly under-reported due to their nature, the extreme personal violation and the associated shame, coupled with victims' belief that they will not be believed. It is challenging to get people to acknowledge what has happened to them and get them to seek the support that they need. Many of those who come forward for support are reluctant to report the matter to the police or take the charges through the justice system due to the re-traumatisation associated with our criminal justice system and the continuous reliving of their trauma as well as the fact that they often have to face their perpetrator in court.
Organisations like Nexus are often the first port of call for victims as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened to them and look for support. Our voluntary and community sector groups should be commended for providing advice and advocacy support to victims to help them navigate the justice system. Other organisations working in this space include Women's Aid, the Men's Advisory Project and ASSIST NI. In my area, in the Southern Trust, we have the excellent services of Advocacy VSV. I commend all those working to support people impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships. They save lives every day. The stories of the victims, who are predominantly women, are absolutely heartbreaking.
It is most welcome that ending violence against women and girls has been highlighted as a key Executive priority in the draft Programme for Government (PFG). The recent launch of the strategic framework was a landmark in Northern Ireland. It was so long overdue but so very welcome. There are many strands to that work, one of which is supporting actions to tackle all forms of sexual abuse and abusive relationships, including properly funding organisations that provide the front-line support to victims of sexual abuse and investment in raising awareness and prevention measures.
Our justice system also needs to play a key part. It is devastating that so many in our country have experienced sexual abuse and abusive relationships. However, in the 40 years that we have had Nexus in place, there has been some change. In recent years, we have seen work being done to tackle domestic abuse through the introduction of new offences such as coercive control. We have banned stalking, upskirting, downblousing and cyber-flashing. We have moved to give victims who decide to report abuse better protection and support during their court hearings, but there is more work to be done. The Justice Minister has the ability to introduce domestic abuse protection notices and must move forward with that work. Their introduction would make a real difference to the safety of those at risk of harm from domestic abuse.
We must do everything possible before any more lives are lost. Today, on the news, it was reported that over 1,200 people have been arrested for the new offence of non-fatal strangulation since June 2023. That demonstrates the overwhelming need for legislation in this space, but it also shows how changes in the law that are needed can save lives. We can make a difference here.
I close by again congratulating Nexus on its excellent work in this space over the past 40 years. I remember the victims of sexual violence in Northern Ireland and pray that we see improvements in the services that are needed here.
Today, we stand together and send a clear message that support is available for victims of abuse, regardless of when that abuse took place.
As a member of the Women's Caucus, I am proud to speak on behalf of the Alliance Party and my constituents of North Down to thank Nexus for 40 years' worth of absolutely vital assistance and help to individuals across Northern Ireland. The service that it delivers and the lifeline that it gives to those facing some of the hardest circumstances that anyone could ever come across is second to none. So many would be lost without it. I know that I will not need to familiarise anyone in the Chamber with Nexus's work. Unfortunately, there is not much time that goes by between constituents contacting our offices, disclosing circumstances of sexual assault or abusive relationships and seeking help moving forward in a safer environment.
Nexus is a relied-on service to which we all signpost. It is a service that we cannot take for granted. Nexus has played and continues to play a fundamental role in shifting the narratives and common knowledge on sexual abuse in our culture, in our everyday lives and in our media. It has worked alongside other organisations to raise awareness of domestic abuse and it sensitivities. Our social media and news intake is fast-paced and constantly growing. It is vital that we ground the truth of those stories in the needs of victims and survivors. It is vital that we use media in a way that calls out rape myths and disempowering narratives that can cast purposeful doubt on those who have been abused, thus giving a platform to perpetrators. It is that work that Nexus's whole-society approach helps champion and bring together.
The misogyny and ingrained hatred in our society that leads to domestic abuse is endemic and must be stopped. It is our responsibility as legislators to put in place actions and plans that do that. We need look only as far as the recently launched strategic framework to end violence against women and girls, the domestic and sexual abuse strategy or the Gillen review. They were long overdue as a result of our stop-start government and a fiscal situation that does not serve the people whom we represent, but Nexus and others were there to pick up the pieces and provide its life-saving services. I am unsure whether the average person realises the amount of work in which Nexus is involved. Its work goes beyond its absolutely vital counselling services.
As many Members have said, Nexus was founded in 1984. It was set up as a response to a quick succession of rapes in south Belfast, focusing on supporting people facing the most horrendous circumstances at a time when our societal definition of consent was viewed much differently from how it is viewed today and when the services that we now have in place were not there to help victims and survivors. Nexus championed education on and prevention of sexual abuse then, as it does now. In 2020, the Rape Crisis NI helpline launched alongside a new website providing educational and support materials. This year, Nexus finished training over 500 front-line PSNI officers and serious crime prosecutors to improve our response to sexual abuse in the justice system. Those are only snippets of the work in which its staff and dedicated volunteers are involved.
Last week, I attended an event in my constituency of North Down to recognise Nexus's achievements, marking 40 years of public service and a changing of the way in which this society thinks about things, something that many of us in the Chamber today could only dream of achieving. From me and all of us here, "Thank you".
As a new member of the Women's Caucus, I thank its chairperson for proposing the motion.
The 40th anniversary of Nexus is a significant milestone. For four decades, Nexus has been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships. It has been at the forefront of that battle, providing a wide range of essential and therapeutic services to support women. In County Fermanagh, I am familiar with the work of Nexus, which delivers discreet counselling services and advice to meet a growing demand in the rural community. In remote rural areas, we have often seen victims suffer enduring isolation and violence due to peripherality. That means that many incidences go unreported and victims experience a lifetime of violence and fear as a result.
There has been much work of late from Departments on that topic. The strategic framework to end violence against women and girls, which was launched by the Executive Office, serves as a powerful example of our collective dedication to that cause. The framework emphasises a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach. It aims to prevent violence before it starts, support victims and survivors and change the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate abuse. Additionally, the domestic and sexual abuse strategy from the Departments of Health and Justice, which is designed around the pillars of partnership, prevention, support and justice, further strengthens our efforts. It is time that we addressed the root causes of abuse, provided the right support to those affected and held the perpetrators accountable. It is not just a women's issue: as we have heard from other contributors, it is a societal crisis that demands urgent and decisive action from all of us.
In Northern Ireland, on average, a domestic abuse incident is reported to police every 16 minutes and a sexual offence every two hours. The awful reality is that, during the 12 months up to 30 April 2024, PSNI data reports that there were 4,090 sexual violence and abuse incidents in Northern Ireland. Nexus plays an important role in providing bespoke training for front-line officers in the PSNI whose role is to respond to rape and sexual abuse incidents. Over 500 specialist officers and serious crime officers have been trained by Nexus to date. That training is essential to building confidence in victims who are coming forward to report those incidents. As a trusted organisation, Nexus provides counselling and compassionate aftercare so that victims can rebuild their lives. This evening, we have heard some really harrowing statistics that underline the demand on the services that Nexus offers.
It is important that we all build on the legacy of the last mandate, when the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, the Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 and the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 brought Northern Ireland into line with or, in many ways, put it ahead of other jurisdictions in regard to legal interventions to protect women and girls from violence, abuse and unwanted attention and to support victims.
I join other Members in paying tribute to Nexus and all similar organisations that work to support and protect victims of sexual abuse and abusive relationships. I commend the tireless efforts of all those who work with Nexus across Northern Ireland. Their dedication, compassion and resilience are the driving forces behind the progress that has been made in supporting survivors and combating abuse. It is incumbent on all of us to support the motion.
I am really pleased to speak in this important debate. I thank the chair of the Women's Caucus for moving the motion.
Last month, I had the privilege of attending the 40th anniversary celebration at the Nexus office in Derry. The chief executive, Joanne Barnes, took us down memory lane, and it was remarkable how much has changed. However, it was also remarkable how much has not changed and how much work remains to be done.
The Nexus team is dedicated and is to the fore in helping those impacted by sexual abuse. Its services are vital and, as others have said, a lifeline. They are needed now more than ever. We know that violence against women and girls can take place in many forms. It can range from misogynistic attitudes in the workplace to sexual and domestic abuse at home. A recent report from Ulster University found that 98% of women in Northern Ireland had experienced at least one form of violence or abuse in their lifetime, which is a remarkable statistic. I am sure that every Member knows someone who has been a victim of domestic and sexual abuse.
Will the Member give way?
Yes, of course.
Does the Member agree that it is important that we understand the prevalence of abuse in order to deal with it and to have the right services in place at the right time and delivered by the right people?
The Member has an extra minute.
Absolutely. That is really important, because, in the work that has developed in Nexus, there is a concentration on education to support those in our schools and communities. It is about educating our young people and others about sexual abuse and the forms that it takes.
Of course, the increased media coverage that violence against women and girls has received over the past few months and years is also a welcome part of the education piece. Our public conversation on the issue has come a long way and become more progressive. It is now spoken of and out in the open, whereas, years ago, it was not; it was hidden. The victim felt ashamed and did not speak about it. It is important to remember that it is often the abuse that others cannot see that is most prevalent in the victim's life. That is especially true in cases of domestic and sexual abuse within relationships. Bruises are covered up, abusive texts remain locked in a phone, and derogatory comments remain unchallenged.
Far too often, women suffer in silence. That is never truer than in the case of domestic and sexual abuse, which is complex in nature. Victims not only suffer in silence but often try to heal in silence. Victims often fear that they will not be understood or, indeed, believed, and, as a result, they do not come forward. Not only are they sometimes fearful of medical professionals but they are apprehensive about going to their family for fear of being judged for what they have experienced. That is why the work of Nexus has been and will continue to be so vital and why I am pleased that we are able to mark its achievements today.
The services that Nexus provides are driven by a desire to enable positive change for those who have been impacted on by sexual abuse and abusive relationships. It wants to bring an end to the cycle of domestic and sexual abuse. For four decades, Nexus has provided life-changing and life-saving support for women and girls. I met a few people whose lives were turned round as a result of their engagement with the services. They were pleased to attend the 40th anniversary event, because, they said, Nexus gave them their life and dignity back. The impact of its work is immeasurable when it comes to the individual.
Today's debate is our chance not just to pay tribute but to recommit to delivering that support. Nexus and many other organisations are operating at maximum capacity. Northern Ireland still does not have a dedicated source of stable state funding for such organisations. The publication of the ending violence against women and girls strategic framework was welcome, but only £3 million over two years has been pledged towards its delivery. Many people will rightly ask whether the change that is needed can be delivered with such a small financial envelope. The lack of funding directed towards these matters has caused serious issues over many years. Services such as Nexus have, in large measure, been left to fend for themselves or receive sporadic and inconsistent funding.
Eight months ago, the previous Minister of Health cut funding to Nexus, only to reverse that decision due to the public outcry. The organisations deserve better than that. They deserve stability and security, and they deserve to know that their services are valued by people from across our society. For 40 years, Nexus has provided vital services for women and girls across the North. It is time to reward its work with a better approach from government. Nexus helps to lead the way as we seek to end gender-based violence. We must support it and all other life-saving organisations in our community.
Sexual abuse is nothing less than a scourge on our society and, indeed, on the world in general. It is an ever-present looming shadow that knows no bounds of class, gender or creed, and its impact can be absolutely devastating. In some cases, it is the most fundamental breach of trust and the most brutal harm that can be exacted and inflicted, because not all sexual attacks are by strangers. It is so often a hidden crime that is covered up, reliant on the guilt, shame and fear of victims to keep them quiet and compliant. It is a violation of body and, often, of trust, causing immense damage that can fundamentally alter a victim's life as they turn in on themselves and turn the blame on themselves, questioning themselves, their decisions and their choices at every turn.
It is important to remember that not all sexual attacks are for gratification. The weaponisation of sexual contact is as old as mankind and can be so much more about coercion, control and power.
Thankfully, there are organisations such as Nexus that help people not only to come to terms with one of the worst things that can happen to anybody but more: they help them to rebuild, go on with their lives and thrive. They may never forget but they will forge a path where they are no longer consumed by or defined by such an experience.
In recent years, progress has been made, but there is still much more to do. Legislatively, in Northern Ireland, we have seen a plethora of new offences created, and the foundations for some additional protections put in place, albeit some are not yet implemented. We have strategies in place, and the Executive have made ending violence against women and girls a priority, which is certainly to be welcomed. However, it is important to bear in mind that not all abusers are men and not all victims of abuse are women. Therefore, the processes, provisions and support systems that are in place must be mindful of the needs of all.
Strategies are all well and good, but with words must come actions and, more importantly, practicalities. We need to make it easier for people to protect themselves and to leave abusive relationships. We need to provide them with proper and readily available facilities for health and housing, financial and legal advice and counselling where it is required. We must also protect the most vulnerable, in particular those, young and old, in care settings, from whom the evidence can be difficult to obtain. Importantly, the police must investigate thoroughly, with open, inquisitive minds and without bias, following all the evidence that they can gather wherever it may lead. That having been said, we still must ensure that the law is not misused or weaponised and that justice is blind, allowing, where possible, complainant and accused to have their day in court. I strongly believe that being sexually attacked is one of the worst things that can happen to a person, but it is also true that it is one of the worst crimes of which to be wrongly accused. Both can leave a person and their family forever damaged. Nevertheless, for survivors of sexual abuse who decide to seek criminal charges, sentencing is key. Likewise for the general public's confidence in the justice system. Victims will never forget. They will move forward, but they will never forget, and seeing their convicted abuser face justice can be cathartic, provided that the sentence befits the crime and is seen to do so.
Societally, people are more prepared than ever to speak about their experiences in order to aid their recovery, and, importantly, to come forward and talk to the police and make formal complaints. Certainly, the stigma and shame once felt by victims are being broken down and, instead, placed squarely where they should rightfully be: at the feet of the perpetrators. Society is becoming increasingly intolerant of abusers. This debate provides another timely reminder to all that sexual abuse is a repugnant and reprehensible crime that will not be tolerated. I encourage anybody who is being abused to tell somebody. Seek help and advice when you are ready. Tell the police as quickly as possible, but however you proceed, do not keep it to yourself. Tell somebody, and then get the support that you need.
I congratulate everybody at Nexus for all that they do in what is an extremely difficult, traumatic and disturbing area of work, which, I am certain, takes its toll on the well-being of the people who give of themselves to help. You all make an immense difference in the lives of many, and, without question, you have saved countless lives too — literally and in many other ways. I commend and congratulate you, and for as long as you are needed, I hope and pray that, in every way necessary, you will be provided with all that you need for your life-changing work.
I really welcome the opportunity to speak, and I thank the members of the Women's Caucus for tabling the motion.
In writing my speech, I struggled and found it difficult to articulate effectively how grateful I am for the Nexus staff. We hear all the time in our constituency offices from people who have lived through undeniable struggle, and we very often hear just how incredible the Nexus staff are. I hope that they are listening to the sentiments that are being shared across the Chamber. Those staff are incredibly valuable, and I am delighted that we are debating this topic.
The staff at Nexus go above and beyond to support those in Northern Ireland who have endured the pain and suffering related to sexual trauma. The consequences of sexual trauma can be life ruining, but this vital service provides such a range of support for victims of sexual abuse right across the North. Any of us, at any time of our lives, can be a victim of sexual trauma, whether it is childhood sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault. Thankfully, Nexus NI has been there, holding the hands of people of all genders, all backgrounds, all beliefs, right across the North, guiding their healing journey to surviving trauma.
Sadly, it was not long ago in the House, as rightly mentioned by other Members, that we were fighting for this incredible service to maintain funding so that it could adequately deliver support for thousands of victims right across the North. When the news came to light that Nexus could, potentially, have all its funding stopped completely, I received an influx of messages from constituents right across the constituency, of all different demographics. Most of those messages came through Facebook Messenger. Some spoke about having been raped as teenagers. One person mentioned that they had been violated by their ex-husband. I also spoke with others, who were male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. That is the range of people and victims whom we are talking about, and it is important to mention that here, today. Nexus was the first place that they felt safe. Nexus was their safe space. Funding Nexus is crucial. It is not only crucial but life saving. I am so grateful that its funding was reinstated. I firmly believe that Members across the House must ensure that that potential loss of funding never, ever happens again.
One in four women and one in nine men in Northern Ireland will experience a sexual trauma in their lifetime. Sadly, over the past few years, we have seen a 50% increase in contacts to the domestic and sexual violence helpline, and sadly, even in the past month, we have seen a rise in rapes and reported sexual assaults, particularly in the north-west, which have been deeply upsetting. Let us not forget that sexual abuse is something that can impact on the whole family, not only children but, when it comes to light, parents too.
Will the Member give way?
That is a really important point to raise. I congratulate and thank Nexus for their work. However, I know that, for some constituent cases that I have been dealing with, the parents of children who have been abused feel that there are very limited support services for them. They have also gone through a very traumatic experience. They have had to endure, as well — obviously, nothing in comparison to what the child has gone through — but there is a whole family that is upset there. We should aim to have much broader services, even statutory services, that support the whole family.
The Member has an extra minute.
Thank you, and I thank the Member for his intervention. Absolutely. It is undeniable, particularly when the person carrying out the abuse is also in the family. It is entirely disruptive for the entire family's life. Of course, the victim is at the very heart of that and their parents are right there with them. I wholeheartedly agree with the Member.
Sinéad summarised it so well: we have come a long way. Sadly, the island of Ireland, North and South, has such a profound, dark history of abuse, particularly sexual abuse and institutionalised abuse. Although we have come far, we have a long way to go to tackle sexual assault, abuse and harm in the North.
We cannot have this conversation today without talking about under-reporting. It is estimated that 80% of sexual violence cases go unreported. The honest answer is that we will never really know. We will never know, and the reasons for that are stigma, fear of not being believed, fear of appearing to be attention-seeking. We cannot blame people for not wanting to come forward for many reasons, from rape myths to more. It can be life ruining to take it to court, to seek justice. It could be career ruining. We, as a society, and we, as an Assembly, need to do all that we can to support victims and to challenge those mindsets.
Reports show that between 2022 and 2023, the Police Service recorded that there were over 3,300 sexual offences, highlighting a concerning upward trend. I have no doubt that that is linked to online access to things such as pornography and to the rise of misogyny and normalised misogyny, both online — on TikTok, with the likes of Andrew Tate — and as we experience it each and every day, whether it is in the home or in the workplace. It is on each and every one of us to call out that behaviour and ensure that it is never normalised.
Conviction rates for sexual violence offences in the North remain painfully low. That is what inspired me to bring forward a private Member's Bill that seeks to do all that we can in Northern Ireland to adequately support rape victims who are going through the courts here. I would like every victim and survivor who is listening today to know that they deserve justice and they deserve support. You will be believed. You will be listened to. All of us in the Northern Ireland Assembly will do all that we can to ensure that those people have the right to access support, and we will seek to challenge each and every rape myth and every instance of misogynistic behaviour and violent abuse that we see in our communities.
I thank the chair of the caucus for tabling the motion, and I thank Nexus for 40 years of vital work, as Members said. We also have to mention that the Executive have repeatedly affirmed their commitment to tackle sexual and domestic abuse and to end violence against women, but we have to look at their track record and highlight and challenge it, especially as they have failed to do those things. The Executive rejected a bid for transformation funding to tackle violence against women and girls. That somewhat shows where their priorities lie. We have to fight for a society that is free from sexism, exploitation and gender-based violence. That includes providing the funding to programmes when they are needed, including those from the likes of Nexus, Women's Aid and others.
A lack of social and affordable housing means that many women are unable to break free from abusive relationships. We heard about the housing supply strategy earlier, but nothing was mentioned about supporting people who are victims or survivors of violence or domestic abuse. We also have the scandal of women who are being abused or going through trauma not being able to get intimidation points. That is unfathomable. It needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Women are, obviously, more likely to be responsible for household finances, and they usually work in lower-paid jobs, which traps them in abusive relationships. The increase that I have witnessed in the number of constituents who come to me about gender-based violence is also concerning. I hazard a guess that that is the case in not just my constituency but, unfortunately, is probably the same across the board, which points to the problem. The worrying rise in those figures is reflected in my constituency office and probably in others.
We need to see emergency funding for safe refuges and other domestic violence services. A few years ago, we saw Regina Coeli House close down with the loss of the provision of 21 spaces. Those spaces have not been matched, as far as I am aware. That was a real loss, and women lost their jobs. We need to see sustainable funding for the community and voluntary sector organisations that provide all those services, year in, year out. We need to see investment in sexual assault treatment units and counselling for survivors. We also need to see more funding for civil legal aid services and for the courts to process cases promptly, which does not always happen. The Executive have said that they are using six suppliers to:
"work on projects that will use data, tech and design innovations to tackle violence against women and girls".
They need to expand on that. How do they propose to use data, tech and design innovation to protect women and girls? How will those tools be used, and when will they be implemented? They state:
"Delivery of the Strategic Framework will take a trauma informed approach, will be evidence based and data driven."
That sounds too vague to me and to many others. What is that strategic framework, and how will it be trauma-informed?
Obviously, helplines are very important and essential in many, many cases, but we have to look at why there is such a need for them in the first place and at how we are going to reduce violence by increasing funding for women's aids and counselling services. We also need to look at how we can challenge beliefs in society, as Members said, but particularly in schools about not only masculinity but proper and healthy relationships. That is not done across all schools. We need to see early intervention and early prevention. People's lives — women's lives — depend on it.
The Executive have to be held accountable for congratulating Donald Trump on his re-election. This is a man who has been accused of sexual assault. He is an extremely misogynistic head of state, and, for many people, congratulating him is an insult to women everywhere. Associating with people like that can, in many cases, encourage further violence rather than abolish it.
It also worth noting that End Violence Against Women stated that 76% of women think that the culture of policing has to change in order to better respond to violence against women and girls. It is worth remembering that Sarah Everard was murdered by a police officer and that people who protested against her killing were attacked by police officers. Something needs to be said about police services and their role in upholding sexist values in society. I do not and, increasingly, many women do not believe that the police are best placed or most appropriately placed to tackle violence against women, never mind to prevent it.
How many times have we heard about a woman reporting threatening or violent behaviour, usually by someone known to them, as the Member opposite stated, only for the police to excuse it or shrug their shoulders, with the woman ending up in hospital or worse?
Prevention is obviously key. That starts by investing in services —
Will the Member draw his remarks to a close, please?
— and allowing women access to the financial measures to enable them to leave an abusive relationship.
Thank you, Gerry. I call Paula Bradshaw to make a winding-up speech on the motion. Paula, you have up to 10 minutes.
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank everyone — all the members of the Women's Caucus steering group and other Members in the Chamber — for their contribution today, in particular the chair of the steering group, Claire Sugden. I know that the issue is and has been very close to her heart, including when she was the Justice Minister.
The Women's Caucus is a united group of elected representatives. I welcome Diana Armstrong who recently joined us. What we are trying to do is work collectively to take forward our positions. In this case, it is about tackling all forms of sexual abuse and abusive relationships and ensuring that that remains an Executive priority.
Like others, I congratulate Nexus on its 40th anniversary and commend it in the strongest possible terms. The work of those who built the charity, and of those who volunteered and helped with fundraising efforts over the years, is truly remarkable. They cannot be thanked and congratulated enough for their work and what they have achieved over 40 years. As others said, Nexus started in my South Belfast constituency, but, as Sinéad, Diana and others said, its reach is also very much felt and appreciated in rural communities and less urbanised areas. As Joanne Bunting said, Nexus is a trusted and discreet form of support. It is a significant contributor to the community and voluntary sector in my constituency and across the Province. The motion is very simple. It states that we, in the Chamber, reaffirm our commitment to breaking the cycle, and tackling all forms, of sexual abuse and abusive relationships and that we commend Nexus for its work.
I will pick up on some other points. My colleague Connie Egan said that it is not just the Members of this legislature but other outlets, including the media, that have a significant role to play. In reporting on sexual abuse crimes, they need to stop victim-blaming and perpetuating falsehoods, and they need to join the rest of us in dispelling the myths around such crimes.
We all welcome the Executive's ending violence against women and girls strategic framework. It is robust, well-consulted-upon work. However, Sinéad questioned why the funding allocation seems to be less than is needed at this point. My party colleague Connie Egan has raised that time and again. If we are to really tackle the issue a generation on from the agreement, we need to put the resources where they are needed. One reason why we probably have not done enough to prevent sexual abuse and the development of abusive relationships is that we have left it to the volunteers at Nexus, for example, to step in and provide support to those impacted on by abuse after it has happened.
We may have lower crime rates in Northern Ireland generally, but we have very high rates of violence against women. While many Members gave some of the really harrowing, horrendous statistics, it is worth remembering that behind each statistic is an individual. As Diana Armstrong and Diane Forsythe said, we must do more.
Gerry Carroll mentioned that we need more information on actions around the use of technology. We need a wee bit more information on the specifics around how the strategic framework will be rolled out and how it will impact on the ground.
Getting back to Nexus, it must be noted that it is not just about supporting women; it is about supporting anyone who is impacted on by sexual abuse or abusive relationships. Again, that is not limited to adults but includes children. It is very clear that Nexus has a lot of work to do if it is to continue to have the positive impact that it has had. We need to ensure that it has security of funding, and many in the Chamber, including Cara Hunter, pointed out that the number of constituents who contacted us when Nexus's funding was under threat was very significant, and it caused great concern to many. We are all grateful that the decision was reversed at the end, but it must have been very time-consuming for the staff and board of Nexus to have gone through that.
I am particularly interested in and concerned about historical institutional abuse. We know from the testimonies of people who came forward to the historical institutional abuse inquiry about the sexual nature of the abuse that they experienced in the homes. The Committee for the Executive Office has also worked with the truth recovery panel on the mother-and-baby institutions. Again, many of the women who were housed in those institutions were there as a result of sexual assault and rape, many times in the home and by supposed trusted adults. We are now moving on to historical clerical sexual abuse, and I urge the Executive Office to move on that as quickly as possible. We must reflect that when Nexus was formed 40 years ago, a lot of those abuses were happening in real time.
Members have welcomed the domestic and sexual abuse strategy, which is a joint strategy of the Justice and Health Departments. Members also welcomed the legislative interventions that have come forward in recent years, but we need to do more on prevention as opposed to the justice and accountability that comes at the far end. In that regard, I place on record my thanks to and support for the PSNI, Women's Aid, the Rowan sexual assault referral centre, the NSPCC, Barnardo's, the Men's Advisory Project, Victim Support NI and those who man the various helplines that support those organisations. They all deserve consistent funding in order to be able to deliver the services and support that our constituents deserve.
Nexus puts the victim first, and, as we have heard today from Members, it provides support to parents who are so distressed when they hear that their loved ones have been the victim of sexual abuse. We should commend not just Nexus but all those who work to support those who are impacted on by that abuse. I call on the Assembly to reaffirm its commitment to, and support for, actions to tackle all forms of sexual abuse and abusive relationships and to commend all those who work to support people who are impacted on by it.
Question put and agreed to.
Resolved:
That this Assembly congratulates Nexus on the occasion of its 40th anniversary; reaffirms its commitment to, and support for, actions to tackle all forms of sexual abuse and abusive relationships; and commends all those working to support people impacted on by sexual abuse and abusive relationships.
Adjourned at 5.38 pm.