Domestic & Sexual Abuse Victims Urged To Call 24 Hour Helpline

Victims of domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland are being urged to make use of a 24 hour helpline.

Nexus NI was awarded a three year contract to provide and manage the service, which will be operational from Monday 01 April.

Karen Gallagher, the Interim Chief Executive of Nexus NI said: "There is a way out of abusive relationships. Often the first step is to lift the phone to call a helpline to get support."

The free and confidential service can be accessed by calling 0808 8021414.

Ms Gallagher said: "Domestic and sexual abuse knows no boundaries. No gender, age-group, no sexual orientation, no class or creed is immune from attacks and abuse. For any man or woman, young or old, the fully trained staff at the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline are there to listen and offer support and advice 24 hours a day, every day.

"Victims of domestic and sexual abuse can often feel isolated, with no one to turn to, so we are pleased that this helpline can continue to give them the support that they need. We want people to know they are not alone and help is a phone call away. It is essential that as many people as possible have access to support to ensure the right measures are being taken to keep them and their families safe."

The new contract was awarded by the Department for Communities, the Department of Health and the Department of Justice. Women's Aid Federation NI previously ran the service and will continue to manage it until 31 March.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "We would like to thank Women's Aid for their successful running of the helpline and would like to pay tribute to the staff and volunteers who have provided a vital and high quality service for victims of domestic and sexual abuse allowing a smooth transition with the continued use of the helpline telephone number."



(JG/CM)