Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy launched

Creating a society where domestic and sexual abuse are not tolerated is a key aim of a new strategy which has been unveiled today.

Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt jointly launched the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy, which includes data showing that on average domestic abuse is reported to police every 16 minutes and a sexual offence every two hours.

The strategy makes clear that domestic and/or sexual abuse cannot be tackled in isolation, and that a whole society approach is required. Central to this is ensuring the voices of victims, including children and young people, are valued and at the core of decision making.

The Ministers also announced a Children’s Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (SOLA) scheme, which will provide free legal advice to children and young people affected by sexual crime, as well as a small grant scheme to support the invaluable work provided by the community and voluntary sector.

Speaking at the launch held in NSPCC’s Belfast headquarters, Minister Long said:  “We know that domestic and sexual abuse transcends boundaries of gender, age, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. It is insidious and pervading, leaving an indelible mark. Its victims are those who have been directly impacted by it and those who have witnessed it, or who live in its formidable shadow.

“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, so that no one has to live in fear of abuse.”

Minister Nesbitt said: “Everyone has the right to live a life that is safe and free from the fear of domestic and sexual abuse. That is the ultimate aim of this strategy. We are building on what we know works, on evidence-based practice, and we will continue to listen to the voices of those with lived experience.

“Partnership is a key thread running through this strategy. If we are going to tackle domestic and sexual abuse, we need to work together. None of us can do this alone.”

The seven-year strategy is designed around five pillars: partnership, prevention, children & young people, support and provision, and justice.

Bronagh Muldoon, Assistant Director NSPCC Northern Ireland, said: “NSPCC Northern Ireland welcomes today’s launch of the new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy, in particular, Pillar 3 on Children and Young People.

“Sexual abuse in childhood can have a long-lasting negative impact that can reach into adulthood. Domestic abuse always has an impact on children. They do not have to hear or witness it, simply living in a home where domestic abuse takes place can cause immense trauma.

“The strategy is an important milestone and provides a focus on key areas that require cross-government action.

“NSPCC NI is committed to working with government and our partners to prevent, recognise and respond to child sexual abuse and domestic abuse in Northern Ireland.”

A three-year action plan has also been published online with a wide range of actions under each pillar.

Further action plans will be developed over the lifetime of the strategy and will take account of new evidence and any emerging challenges.

The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy is closely aligned to the Executive’s Ending Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy, although, importantly, is gender inclusive.

Notes to editors: 

1. The DSA Strategy and three-year action plan can be found in full here -  
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy and Performance Framework 2024 - 2031 | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk)

2. Accessing support:

• The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 802 1414 or email help@dsahelpline.org. For more information visit www.dsahelpline.org
• Contact details of other support services, including Carafriend, HERe NI, Men’s Advisory Project, NSPCC, Victim Support NI, Women’s Aid etc, can be found at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/support-services-victims.
• Anyone who feels in immediate danger should dial 999. If it is difficult to talk, use the ‘silent solution’ by pressing 55 when prompted (if phoning from a mobile phone). This allows police to know it is a genuine emergency. 

3. Within this strategy, domestic abuse is defined as: threatening, controlling, coercive behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, virtual, physical, verbal, sexual, financial or emotional) inflicted on anyone (irrespective of age, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any form of disability) by a current or former intimate partner or family member.

4. Within this strategy, sexual abuse is defined as: any behaviour (physical, psychological, verbal, virtual/online) perceived to be of a sexual nature which is controlling, coercive, exploitative, harmful, or unwanted that is inflicted on anyone (irrespective of age, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any form of disability).

5. The strategy’s five pillars are:

• Partnership: Driving change together through joint commitment, leadership and partnership working.
• Prevention: Preventing domestic and/or sexual abuse from happening by challenging the attitudes and behaviours that foster it and intervening early where possible to prevent it.
• Children and Young People – Preventing domestic and/or sexual abuse from happening and ensuring that children and young people, who are victims, are seen and heard and can access services and receive support to help them to recover and taking account of their particular needs.
• Support and Provision - Ensuring that all victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse can access tailored, responsive and specialised support and provision to recover and rebuild their lives.
• Justice - Ensuring justice responses are effective; supporting victims; and holding individuals who are abusive to account at the earliest opportunity.

6. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.

7. Follow us on X @healthdpt and linkedIn Department of Health NI | LinkedIn

8. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

Share this page