24/07/2025
Justice Minister Praises Early Intervention Service For Sexual Violence Survivors
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister, Naomi Long, yesterday paid a visit to the headquarters of Nexus NI to witness firsthand the impact of an innovative pilot programme designed to offer immediate support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
The Crisis De-escalation Service delivers early intervention counselling aimed at preventing long-term psychological harm and reducing the strain on broader health services.
The service, which received £39,780 through the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grant scheme, focuses on stabilising survivors during a critical recovery period using Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT). This therapy prioritises practical coping strategies to help individuals process their trauma and foster resilience.
Minister Long paid tribute to those delivering the service: "Sexual violence is one of the most invasive and harrowing crimes anyone can endure and the impact can be catastrophic for victims; we know that proper support and therapy is crucial to help survivors navigate their trauma. This early intervention service ensured survivors were not left unsupported while waiting for longer-term counselling. It provided a structured, survivor-centred approach that promoted emotional safety and stability during a crucial recovery period."
Joanne Barnes, CEO of Nexus NI, highlighted the therapy's benefits: "This therapy helps reduce acute trauma symptoms and mitigates long-term psychological issues, such as PTSD and depression and helps foster resilience. It has helped bridge a critical gap in Northern Ireland’s response to sexual abuse and violence by helping access timely psychological care. The success of this project shows the need for crisis support at various stages of the victim journey, including in the immediate aftermath of an incident."
The Crisis De-escalation Service is one of 14 projects that received financial backing from the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grant scheme. Beyond directly aiding survivors, the programme also aims to alleviate pressure on general practice, mental health services, and emergency departments by offering timely and targeted support.
The Crisis De-escalation Service delivers early intervention counselling aimed at preventing long-term psychological harm and reducing the strain on broader health services.
The service, which received £39,780 through the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grant scheme, focuses on stabilising survivors during a critical recovery period using Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT). This therapy prioritises practical coping strategies to help individuals process their trauma and foster resilience.
Joanne Barnes, CEO of Nexus NI, highlighted the therapy's benefits: "This therapy helps reduce acute trauma symptoms and mitigates long-term psychological issues, such as PTSD and depression and helps foster resilience. It has helped bridge a critical gap in Northern Ireland’s response to sexual abuse and violence by helping access timely psychological care. The success of this project shows the need for crisis support at various stages of the victim journey, including in the immediate aftermath of an incident."
The Crisis De-escalation Service is one of 14 projects that received financial backing from the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grant scheme. Beyond directly aiding survivors, the programme also aims to alleviate pressure on general practice, mental health services, and emergency departments by offering timely and targeted support.
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08 November 2021
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A 48-year-old has been sentenced to 16 years for a number of historical sexual abuse offences against a child, at Laganside Court. Tommy Harris will serve eight years in jail and eight years on licence. He will also be place on the sex offenders register for life. Harris's conviction comes after his victim waived her anonymity to speak out.
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16 February 2022
New Legislation To Strengthen NI Sexual Offence Laws
New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
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New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
09 May 2019
Review Recommends Banning Public From Sexual Offence Trials
A report into the law and procedures surrounding serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland has recommended restricting the public's access to trials. The Gillen Review, which commenced last May, has independently scrutinised how courts operate in cases of serious sexual offences. Sir John Gillen, a former Lord Justice of Appeal led the study.
Review Recommends Banning Public From Sexual Offence Trials
A report into the law and procedures surrounding serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland has recommended restricting the public's access to trials. The Gillen Review, which commenced last May, has independently scrutinised how courts operate in cases of serious sexual offences. Sir John Gillen, a former Lord Justice of Appeal led the study.
28 September 2023
New Anonymity Laws For Sexual Offences Cases Come Into Effect
A number of new laws to to safeguard the privacy and anonymity of the victims and suspects in sexual offence cases have come into effect today, 28 September. Announced by the Department of Justice, the new laws implement recommendations made by Sir John Gillen in his Review into the law and procedures in serious sexual offences.
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A number of new laws to to safeguard the privacy and anonymity of the victims and suspects in sexual offence cases have come into effect today, 28 September. Announced by the Department of Justice, the new laws implement recommendations made by Sir John Gillen in his Review into the law and procedures in serious sexual offences.
15 March 2023
83 Child Predators Convicted In 2022
The PSNI have recorded a 43% increase in the number of searches conducted by the Child Internet Protection Team (CIPT). In 2022, CIPT officers carried out 145 searches, 43% more than 2021, seized thousands of devices and uncovered tens of thousands of indecent images of children.
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