A CHARITY that helps the victims of sexual violence has seen a surge in referrals for specialist counselling services.
Nexus NI has urged assembly members to help break the silence on sexual violence at a special event in Stormont yesterday.
And the charity revealed that in the last few months it has seen a 21 percent rise in referrals for their specialist counselling services.
The event was hosted in partnership with Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong and other key agencies.
SDLP MLA John Dallat, who was among assembly members attending, said he had joined others in signing a pledge to break the silence on sexual violence.
Other groups taking part included Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland, Men’s Advisory Project and the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
The event was intended to encourage MLAs to take a pledge to do more to help victims.
Chief Executive of Nexus NI Cara Cash said: “As the lead agency offering specialist counselling service for victims of sexual violence across Northern Ireland, we want more victims to come forward to seek that help.
“However, there needs to be an investment in order for us to be able to confidently deliver our services.
“We are encouraging everyone to ‘break the silence’ on sexual violence this new year by taking our pledge on social media, referring those who may need our services to us and by getting involved by volunteering or fundraising for Nexus.”
