Justice Minister Naomi Long has stated that confronting sexual abuse requires a collective effort to dismantle the silence and stigma that allow such crimes to persist.

Addressing the Nexus NI Annual Conference in Belfast on Wednesday, 04 February, the Minister spoke to the event's theme: 'Unmasking sexual abuse – uncomfortable truths'. The conference, held at St Comgall's in west Belfast, coincides with Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week, a national campaign running from 3rd to 9th February 2026.

Minister Long praised Nexus NI for their essential support services and emphasised that truly addressing the issue means listening to the voices of those with lived experience.

The Minister said: "The theme of today's conference speaks directly to the reality of this issue. Sexual abuse thrives in silence, secrecy and discomfort. It relies on stigma, fear and misunderstanding to remain hidden.

"Confronting it requires sustained action from all of us — even when that means facing truths that challenge institutions, systems and long-held assumptions. Too often, survivors have had to fight to be heard. We must ensure that listening to survivors is not an exception, but the foundation of everything we do." The Minister also highlighted that prevention must be at the forefront of the regional strategy, requiring a shift in societal norms and better education on healthy relationships.

Minister Long continued: "Addressing sexual violence is not only about responding after harm has occurred, but about preventing it in the first place by challenging attitudes, behaviours and social norms that allow abuse to happen.

"This requires long-term cultural change. That means investing in education around consent, respect and healthy relationships and ensuring that prevention reaches people at every stage of life. Survivors deserve consistency, not conflict, when it comes to their safety and their rights."

Joanne Barnes, CEO of Nexus NI, told the conference that progress depends on the willingness of society, professionals, and policymakers to engage in honest, often difficult dialogue.

Joanne Barnes said: "At Nexus NI, we believe that real change begins when we confront uncomfortable truths. This conference is about amplifying voices that have too often been silenced and creating space for honest dialogue between those with lived experience, professionals and policymakers.

"Together, we can build a society where sexual abuse is not hidden and where support and justice are accessible to all."

The event brought together a wide range of delegates to explore the complexities of sexual violence and to strengthen the multidisciplinary response across Northern Ireland.