Nexus Statement
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson Charged With Historical Sexual Offences
Today and everyday our thoughts are with victims and survivors of sexual abuse.
We recognise the courage and bravery of people who report this crime, be it a recent or non-recent case.
Reporting can be part of the recovery process, and in doing so survivors break the cycle of abuse for themselves and others, as they create space for people to speak about and report their own abuse.
It is important, amongst the media coverage, that we remember there are people, victims and survivors, at the centre of this, who are dealing with the trauma of being sexually abused.
Their needs, their privacy, their anonymity must be protected through this process and media reporting and public discussion must be sensitive to this.
We must learn from past high-profile cases and ensure time and space is afforded for the judicial process to progress without trial through media and social media.
If you have been affected by the coverage today, or become so in the days and weeks ahead the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 802 1414, on webchat on dsahelpline.org or via email help@dsahelpline.org.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Nexus is Northern Ireland’s leading charity supporting people impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships. If you need advice or support, call the 24hr Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414, it is available 24/7 for any individual impacted by domestic or sexual abuse, either directly or indirectly. Webchat and email services are also available on dsahelpline.org and help@dsahelpline.org. The DSA Helpline is hosted by Nexus on behalf of the Departments of Communities, Health and Justice.
