She was speaking after visiting the headquarters of Nexus NI, where she saw first-hand the benefits of the pilot Crisis De-escalation Service, jointly funded by the Department of Justice and Health, which provides counselling services to survivors in a bid to both reduce the long-term psychological harm they face and take some of the strain off general practice, mental health services and emergency departments.

Mrs Long has said: “Sexual violence is one of the most invasive and harrowing crimes anyone can endure and the impact can be catastrophic for victims.

“It’s evident that proper support and therapy are crucial in helping survivors navigate their trauma, and so I want to pay tribute to those who are involved in delivering this innovative service.

“Early intervention is key, and this scheme helps ensure survivors are not left unsupported while waiting for longer-term counselling, providing safe, stable, structured, and survivor-centred care during a critical time in the process of recovery.

“I’m so glad to have gotten to learn more about the invaluable work being done by Nexus and the support being offered to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse through the Crisis De-escalation Service.”