Today (25 September), Minister 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 centred in 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 the boundaries of gender, age, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. It is insidious and pervading, leaving an indelible mark right across society, on so many people.

“We are dedicated 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. I, alongside Alliance Party colleagues, remain unwaveringly committed to seeing the scourge of domestic and sexual abuse scrubbed from our society.”