About Nexus

We are the leading organisation within Northern Ireland supporting individuals impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships.

About Nexus

We are the leading organisation within Northern Ireland supporting individuals impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships.

#BreakTheCycle

For a society free from sexual abuse & abusive relationships

Nexus has almost 40 years’ experience offering a specialised professional counselling service to people impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships. We provide support to anyone impacted by sexual abuse* from age 8 and upwards. We also provide support services to adults who are age 18+, identify as male, and who have been impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships (domestic abuse) as an adult or child. Anyone else impacted by abusive relationships/domestic abuse can access support via the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414 or via dsahelpline.org.

Adult Counselling Update

*Please note as of 1st March 2024 we can no longer take referrals to the free of charge adult counselling service as funding from the Department of Health is due to end on 31st March and we have been instructed to cease referrals and wind down the service.

We appreciate this is concerning and upsetting news and we are working with the Department and elected representatives to find a solution so that people impacted by sexual abuse can receive access to a free specialist service.

While the option of paying for counselling is one that, we know, many people will be unable to avail of due to affordability, we have made the difficult decision to make this option available until a free of charge service is re-instated. This will help ensure some level of accessibility and that specialist expertise and skills can be retained.  If you would like to refer to this service, please click here for more information (note this service is not free of charge).

We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) which you can access here. This page will be updated as and when we receive new queries and answers, or when any answers change. 

Children & Young People’s Counselling Update

We are pleased to inform that as of Thursday 1st February 2024 we have resumed our referrals from children aged 8+ as counsellor capacity has now increased and we are working hard to triage and prioritise referrals to the most appropriate supports available. Unfortunately referrals from children under this age are still unavailable until appropriate funding becomes available for this age group. Please note a waiting list will be in place as we work through the children who were already waiting.

We also provide training and educational workshops across Northern Ireland as part of our Early Intervention and Prevention Services on topics such as consent, relationship and sexuality education, internet safety and child sexual exploitation.

Every year in Northern Ireland there are thousands of sexual abuse and abusive relationship offences reported to police, and thousands more go unreported. The supports and services that Nexus provide are primarily focused on enabling positive change for those impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships.

From April 2019, Nexus has managed the 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, which is funded by the Department of Health, Department of Justice and the Department for Communities. The purpose of the Helpline is to offer support, advice and referral for any person impacted by domestic and sexual abuse in Northern Ireland. The Helpline also offers support and advice to those concerned about victims, those with concerns as to whether abuse is occurring, and to professionals who may work with people impacted.

Find out more about us, including our Vision, Mission and Values and our 2023-26 Strategic Plan.

Inclusivity Statement

 

Here at Nexus, we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone who comes through our door. Your voice is at the centre of our work, and we strive to create an environment that reflects our values of empathy, inclusivity, integrity and positively challenging where our staff, volunteers, and clients are heard and treated with respect. To achieve this, Nexus is dedicated to promoting equity in our services and our workplaces, ensuring our offices and the supports we offer are accessible to all and respectful of everyone’s culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and age.

Our People

Our people are a dedicated and professional group of individuals who are vital to the success of the organisation. All the work that Nexus carries out is possible thanks to the leadership of the Trustee Board and the strategic direction provided by the Senior Leadership and Senior Management Teams, alongside the commitment of our staff team, associates and volunteers, who dedicate their time and knowledge to help guide and direct the operation of Nexus.

Our People

 

Our people are a dedicated and professional group of individuals who are vital to the success of the organisation. All the work that Nexus carries out is possible thanks to the leadership of the Board Members and the strategic direction provided by the Senior Leadership and Senior Management Teams, alongside the commitment of our staff team, associates and volunteers, who dedicate their time and knowledge to help guide and direct the operation of Nexus.

Our People

 

Our people are a dedicated and professional group of individuals who are vital to the success of the organisation. All the work that Nexus carries out is possible thanks to the leadership of the Board Members and the strategic direction provided by the Senior Leadership and Senior Management Teams, alongside the commitment of our staff team, associates and volunteers, who dedicate their time and knowledge to help guide and direct the operation of Nexus.

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