Nexus Response
Draft Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2023-30
Nexus Response
Draft Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2023-30
#BreakTheCycle
Nexus Consultation Response:
Draft Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2023-30
We at Nexus recognise the challenges of addressing domestic and sexual abuse in Northern Ireland which affects a broad section of our society. In the last seven years, prevalence has increased yet unfortunately policy, practice, systems and supports have not developed in line with this.
On review of the draft strategy, we are disappointed by its lack of ambition; it is devoid of robust objectives and measurable outcomes both of which are necessary to ensure a purposeful strategy with accountable implementation.
In its current format the strategy does not meet the needs of people with lived experience of sexual abuse and abusive relationships. There is a recognition of problems, however there are no commitments to tackling the problems in a person-centred way.
Nexus looks forward to working with the Departments to make sure Northern Ireland leads the way in creating a society free from sexual abuse and abusive relationships.
Key response points:
1. Language: Language used on strategies and in public should reflect that abusive relationships happen both inside and outside of domestic circumstances e.g. ‘sexual abuse and abusive relationships’.
2. Specific Groups: The needs of specific groups, including: Children and Young People, Sex Workers, Roma and Traveller Communities, Men, LGBTQIA+, People with Disabilities, People who live outside of Belfast, People at Risk of Perpetrating Sexual Abuse and Abusive Relationships, and Any other Special Considerations e.g. non-English speakers, people hard of hearing should be more strongly reflected in the strategy.
3. Voices of People with Lived Experience: A commitment to forming an advocacy forum or stakeholder group of people with lived experience, is required to make sure the experiences and voices of those impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships are central.
4. Funding: A fully costed and committed funding plan is required.
Click here or on the image below to read our full response:
Key response points:
1. Language: Language used on strategies and in public should reflect that abusive relationships happen both inside and outside of domestic circumstances e.g. ‘sexual abuse and abusive relationships’.
2. Specific Groups: The needs of specific groups, including: Children and Young People, Sex Workers, Roma and Traveller Communities, Men, LGBTQIA+, People with Disabilities, People who live outside of Belfast, People at Risk of Perpetrating Sexual Abuse and Abusive Relationships, and Any other Special Considerations e.g. non-English speakers, people hard of hearing should be more strongly reflected in the strategy.
3. Voices of People with Lived Experience: A commitment to forming an advocacy forum or stakeholder group of people with lived experience, is required to make sure the experiences and voices of those impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships are central.
4. Funding: A fully costed and committed funding plan is required.
5. Education: A commitment to fully mandating consistent, age appropriate and comprehensive Relationship and Sexuality Education within educational settings in Northern Ireland is required to meet the objectives of this strategy. This is also true for training within the workplace, where more detail is required on how compulsory training for departments, agencies and statutory bodies will be delivered and necessary to fulfil commitments.
6. Barriers to Engaging with the Criminal Justice System: This Strategy needs to commit to reforming the criminal justice system to be more timely and victim-focused, trauma informed practice within the justice system is chronically missing. More awareness, specialised training and access to trauma specialists should be mandatory to everyone working within the justice system.
Click here or on the image below to read our full response:
If you have any queries about this consultation response, please contact communications@nexusni.org
5. Education: A commitment to fully mandating consistent, age appropriate and comprehensive Relationship and Sexuality Education within educational settings in Northern Ireland is required to meet the objectives of this strategy. This is also true for training within the workplace, where more detail is required on how compulsory training for departments, agencies and statutory bodies will be delivered and necessary to fulfil commitments.
6. Barriers to Engaging with the Criminal Justice System: This Strategy needs to commit to reforming the criminal justice system to be more timely and victim-focused, trauma informed practice within the justice system is chronically missing. More awareness, specialised training and access to trauma specialists should be mandatory to everyone working within the justice system.
If you have any queries about this consultation response, please contact communications@nexusni.org
