Alliance Justice Minister Naomi Long has urged the public to help tackle damaging assumptions about rape and sexual assault which, she warned, remain widespread.

She was speaking following the launch of a Department of Justice social media initiative, 'Rape Myths = Real Harm', designed to address common misconceptions around rape and highlight their impact.

Mrs Long said: "Myths and misconceptions about rape are unfortunately common and widespread in our society. Causing victims to feel shame and encouraging them to blame themselves, they play a devastating role in preventing people from coming forward and reporting these heinous crimes. "This allows too many perpetrators to escape accountability for their actions and evade justice. We cannot let this continue, and that starts with tackling these myths head-on.

"As outlined by Sir John Gillen in his 2019 review, myths around rape shift the blame from the perpetrator to the victim. My department, alongside our partners, is taking action to ensure all victims are listened to and supported, and that the responsibility for rape and sexual assault remains precisely where it should – with the perpetrator.

"We all have a role to play in challenging these misconceptions. Rape myths cause real harm, and it’s up to all of us to help eliminate them."