Local charity, Nexus NI, which provides support to victims of sexual violence, has seen a 21% increase in referrals for their specialist counselling service in the last three months.
One of the factors for the increase can be attributed to the recent global media storm in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein case.
Nexus, which has supported thousands of people in Northern Ireland since its launch in 1984, has seen more referrals than ever before and is encouraging other victims to come forward to seek help through its counselling services, which it operates on a Northern Ireland wide basis.
Since October 2016, the charity has delivered more than 17,000 counselling sessions across 41 locations, an increase of 2,000 on the previous year.
The charity offers support and services to people who have been affected by sexual violence in any form, this includes sexual assault or harassment, rape, sexual abuse, exploitation or grooming. Nexus also offers training, post primary education workshops and additional support for families of victims.
Chief Executive of Nexus NI, Cara Cash said: “We’re seeing more and more stories in the press every day, and the #MeToo hashtag on social media has also sparked conversation around sexual assault both in Northern Ireland and across the globe.
“We see the increase in referrals as a positive step forward as it means that victims of any form of sexual violence are starting to feel that they can seek help.
“Sexual assault can have a lifelong impact on a victim and we want to remind them that it is never their fault. They should know they have nothing to be ashamed of and there is strength and hope in seeking help.
“We work hard to make Nexus a safe and trusted source of support for everyone. We are here to support victims of sexual assault no matter who they are, who the perpetrator is or when the assault took place.
“If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, please reach out and get help. No one has to suffer alone.”
Nexus NI is encouraging everyone to ‘Break the Silence’ on sexual violence by taking a pledge on social media, referring victims to the charity or fundraising for its specialist services.
The Nexus service is completely confidential.
Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence can contact Nexus, The Rowan, Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 028 94 424 340, the 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 802 1414 or the PSNI on 999.
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