New support service for NI victims of sexual and domestic abuse

The ASSIST NI advocacy service, which is being rolled out on a phased basis, will allow referrals to be made by police where a domestic or sexual abuse crime is reported.

The PSNI said the launch of the new service will “cement its commitment” to supporting victims.

It comes after the force said it was working on a new strategy to tackle violence against women following “the tragic death” of Sarah Everard.

Referrals to ASSIST NI can also be made by the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre or an action from a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference meeting.

The Department of Justice said three specialist organisations with “a lengthy and wide range of expertise in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse’ worked in partnership to deliver the advocacy service – Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid, Foyle Women’s Aid and Men’s Advisory Project.

Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony McNally, head of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch, said: “Victims of sexual and domestic abuse can find the criminal justice process incredibly daunting and this can stop them from coming forward for help.

“We do not want anyone to feel like they have to suffer in silence. We want people to have confidence that if they report these crimes to the police, it will be treated with the upmost seriousness and that they will be given access to specialist help and support.

“The launch of this new advocacy service is another way the PSNI are cementing their commitment to working with partners to ensure a consistent approach to supporting victims in our communities.

“By doing this we can further tackle these crimes, which can have such a fundamental effect on victims and their loved ones.”

He added that the “tragic death of Sarah Everard has firmly placed a spotlight on violence against women and girls (VAWG) for all”.

“This is a priority for the police service, and we are working with partners to provide a whole systems approach to combatting this in our communities, currently leading on the creation of the first PSNI VAWG strategy for Northern Ireland,” said Det Chief Supt McNally.

He said a literature review is underway to better understand VAWG in a Northern Ireland context and a working group has been set up by the PSNI to garner feedback and guidance from key agencies, including Women’s Aid and Victim Support.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the introduction of ASSIST NI complements tough new laws around domestic abuse.

She said: “I am acutely aware that cases of domestic or sexual abuse involve some of the most invasive, intrusive and personal assaults that victims will have to endure. Victims are understandably traumatised and, for many, reporting what has happened to them and engaging with the criminal justice system can seem like a daunting prospect.

“I want those who have suffered sexual or domestic abuse to have the confidence to come forward and report a crime. I want them to know that they will be listened to and will be supported. ASSIST NI can provide an advocacy support service through a suite of measures, including assessing individual need, the development of safety support plans and providing impartial support and information.

“I have strengthened the law around domestic abuse with new legislation and the creation of a new domestic abuse offence. The advocacy service is complementing this.”

Michelle Martin, service manager for the ASSIST NI advocacy service, added: “It is our ambition to ensure that qualifying victims of sexual and domestic violence are safe, informed and supported from the moment of reporting through the justice process.

“We strive to ensure that victims are provided with trauma-informed, victim led, bespoke support to meet individual needs and manage risk.

“We want to work towards a shared goal of independence, free from fear, harm and abuse creating safer lives, safer homes and safer communities.”