17/11/2017

Victims' Charity Reports Rise In Sexual Violence Referrals

A charity which provides support for victims of sexual violence has seen a 21% rise in referrals for its specialist counselling service in the last three months.

Nexus NI said the increase occurred in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein case.

The charity has delivered 17,000 counselling sessions since October 2016 - an increase of 2,000 on the previous year.

Cara Cash, Chief Executive of Nexus NI, said: "We see the increase in referrals as a positive step forward as it means that victims of any form of sexual violence are starting to feel that they can seek help.

"Sexual assault can have a lifelong impact on a victim and we want to remind them that it is never their fault. They should know they have nothing to be ashamed of and there is strength and hope in seeking help."

(CD)


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