Justice Minister Naomi Long has marked the fifth anniversary of ASSIST NI, emphasising the crucial role advocacy plays in helping victims of domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland. The milestone was recognised at the ‘Marking 5 Years of Advocacy’ event at Stormont on 24 September 2026.

The Minister joined representatives from ASSIST NI, the PSNI, the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre and other partners to reflect on the evolution of advocacy services and the benefits of strong, coordinated working for those affected by abuse. Attendees also heard directly from people with lived experience and from frontline professionals who collaborate to support victims.

Minister Long said: "For the past five years, ASSIST NI has played an important role in ensuring that victims of domestic and sexual abuse are supported, heard and empowered as they navigate what can be an incredibly difficult and challenging period in their lives.

"Advocacy is about making sure that victims do not have to face those challenges alone. It provides a trusted source of support, helping people to understand their options, access the services they need and have their voice heard.

"Today is an opportunity not only to recognise five years of advocacy, but also to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of those who have worked to develop and deliver these services." Highlighting the importance of partnership working, the Minister continued: "Tackling domestic and sexual abuse requires a collective response. No single organisation or agency can do this work in isolation.

"The partnerships represented here today demonstrate what can be achieved when statutory agencies, specialist services and the voluntary and community sector work together around the needs of victims.

"I am particularly pleased that today's event gives us the opportunity to hear from an expert with lived experience of this service. The voices and experiences of victims must remain central to how we develop and improve services."

The Minister also recognised the development of advocacy support for children and young people: "We know that domestic and sexual abuse can have a profound impact on children and young people. It is therefore vital that support recognises their individual circumstances, needs and vulnerabilities.

"The development of dedicated advocacy for children and young people is an important part of ensuring that they too have access to appropriate support and that their voices are heard."

Concluding, Minister Long said: "Five years is an important milestone and an opportunity to recognise how far advocacy services have come. However, it is also an opportunity to look ahead.

"My Department remains committed to working with partners across government, statutory agencies and the voluntary and community sector to improve the response to domestic and sexual abuse and ensure victims are supported at every stage.

"I want to thank everyone involved in ASSIST NI for their contribution and commitment to supporting victims."