Debate contribution: Nexus: 40th Anniversary

Debate contribution by Ms Claire Sugden on 9 December 2024.

MLA

Ms Claire Sugden

Party at the time

Independent

Date

9 December 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Nexus: 40th Anniversary

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4698757

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I beg to move

Thank you, Deputy Speaker. It is with appreciation and reflection that I mark the 40th anniversary of Nexus. This milestone is a recognition not just of the many years that have passed but of the lives that have been transformed and the progress that has been made in the fight against sexual and abusive relationships in Northern Ireland. As Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Assembly Women's Caucus, I believe that it is appropriate that we unite to recognise Nexus's remarkable contributions, while acknowledging the ongoing need for collective action against the horrific abuses that, sadly, remain frequent across our society.

The motion is the first of the mandate to be led by the Women's Caucus, an important cross-party forum comprised of all the current women MLAs. Its aims are to address the under-representation of women in politics and highlight the importance of women in public life. As elected representatives, we are committed not only to advancing gender equality but to being a voice on critical issues such as gender-based violence, abuse and harm. Through our shared objectives, we strive to create a society in which all individuals can live free from fear and violence. Nexus began, 40 years ago, as a small volunteer group responding to a number of rapes in south Belfast. Today, it is an established beacon of hope and resilience that provides support to adults, children and young people impacted by sexual abuse. As well as providing critical therapeutic services, Nexus has been active in early intervention, education and prevention through training and workshops in schools, communities and organisations. Since 2019, Nexus has also managed the regional domestic and sexual abuse helpline, which offers a lifeline to those in desperate need. That invaluable service reflects its unwavering commitment to victims and survivors, regardless of their age, gender or circumstances. Sexual abuse and abusive relationships are a profound human tragedy, inflicting deep and enduring harm on individuals, families and communities. Those crimes often occur in silence, hidden from view, leaving survivors to carry an immense burden of pain and a shame that should never be theirs to bear. The impact extends beyond the immediate victim, disrupting lives, eroding trust and casting long shadows over generations. It is a hidden shame in our society that must be confronted with courage and compassion. It is the responsibility of us all to bring attention to those issues, to ensure that survivors receive the support and justice that they deserve and to create a culture that rejects abuse in all its forms. While we reflect on Nexus's remarkable journey, we must confront a stark reality. Violence against women and girls persists at alarming levels in Northern Ireland. Over 32,000 domestic abuse incidents were recorded last year, which is more than one and half times higher than the figure 20 years ago. Forty-two women have lost their lives to violence since 2017. Northern Ireland is one of the most dangerous places to be a woman. That is not an exaggeration; it is not open to whataboutery or diluted forms that ignore the problem. It is a shocking and unacceptable reality that underscores the critical need for the work of Nexus and other organisations. It also highlights the importance of the strategic framework to end violence against women and girls, with the goal of addressing gender-based violence at its rotten core. In September, the cross-departmental domestic and sexual abuse strategy was published. It is built on the five pillars of partnership; prevention; children and young people; support and provision; and justice. It emphasises the need for a whole-of-society approach. We all must be committed to the strategy and to creating a society in which abuse is not tolerated, victims are supported, and perpetrators are held to account. The vital role that training and capacity-building play in achieving those goals must not be underestimated. Nexus has led the way by training over 500 police officers and members of the Public Prosecution Service's (PPS) serious crime unit to better handle cases of rape and sexual crime. Such efforts are instrumental in ensuring that there is a trauma-informed response across the justice system. Today, we commend not only Nexus but the countless staff, volunteers and partner organisations that work tirelessly to combat sexual abuse and domestic violence. Their dedication is a lifeline to those in need, providing safety, guidance and hope in the face of unspeakable trauma. It was right that the Department of Health extended Nexus's contract before the summer, but the handling of the issue — the last-minute decision-making — tells me that the Government have much to learn. We all have much to learn. We need only look to our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland to see that our efforts and resources are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to comprehensively addressing the issue. Ending sexual abuse and abusive relationships requires leadership, collaboration and unwavering commitment. As Members of the Assembly, we must ensure that the resources and support that organisations such as Nexus need are not only sustained but expanded. We must also foster a culture in which survivors feel safe to come forward and where attitudes that enable abuse are systematically dismantled. The 40th anniversary of Nexus is a moment to reflect on resilience, progress and partnership, but it is also a solemn reminder of the work that remains. As we move forward, let us be guided by the vision of a society free from abuse, a society where women and girls can thrive without fear. I urge the Assembly to fully support the motion. Let us continue to prioritise the fight against sexual abuse and abusive relationships, champion the work of Nexus and other organisations and honour the courage of survivors. Together we can build a safer, more compassionate Northern Ireland.

967 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:41 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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