Debate contribution: Nexus: 40th Anniversary

Debate contribution by Ms Sinéad McLaughlin on 9 December 2024.

MLA

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin

Party at the time

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Date

9 December 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Nexus: 40th Anniversary

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4698778

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I am really pleased to speak in this important debate. I thank the chair of the Women's Caucus for moving the motion. Last month, I had the privilege of attending the 40th anniversary celebration at the Nexus office in Derry. The chief executive, Joanne Barnes, took us down memory lane, and it was remarkable how much has changed. However, it was also remarkable how much has not changed and how much work remains to be done. The Nexus team is dedicated and is to the fore in helping those impacted by sexual abuse. Its services are vital and, as others have said, a lifeline. They are needed now more than ever. We know that violence against women and girls can take place in many forms. It can range from misogynistic attitudes in the workplace to sexual and domestic abuse at home. A recent report from Ulster University found that 98% of women in Northern Ireland had experienced at least one form of violence or abuse in their lifetime, which is a remarkable statistic. I am sure that every Member knows someone who has been a victim of domestic and sexual abuse.

Yes, of course.

Absolutely. That is really important, because, in the work that has developed in Nexus, there is a concentration on education to support those in our schools and communities. It is about educating our young people and others about sexual abuse and the forms that it takes. Of course, the increased media coverage that violence against women and girls has received over the past few months and years is also a welcome part of the education piece. Our public conversation on the issue has come a long way and become more progressive. It is now spoken of and out in the open, whereas, years ago, it was not; it was hidden. The victim felt ashamed and did not speak about it. It is important to remember that it is often the abuse that others cannot see that is most prevalent in the victim's life. That is especially true in cases of domestic and sexual abuse within relationships. Bruises are covered up, abusive texts remain locked in a phone, and derogatory comments remain unchallenged. Far too often, women suffer in silence. That is never truer than in the case of domestic and sexual abuse, which is complex in nature. Victims not only suffer in silence but often try to heal in silence. Victims often fear that they will not be understood or, indeed, believed, and, as a result, they do not come forward. Not only are they sometimes fearful of medical professionals but they are apprehensive about going to their family for fear of being judged for what they have experienced. That is why the work of Nexus has been and will continue to be so vital and why I am pleased that we are able to mark its achievements today. The services that Nexus provides are driven by a desire to enable positive change for those who have been impacted on by sexual abuse and abusive relationships. It wants to bring an end to the cycle of domestic and sexual abuse. For four decades, Nexus has provided life-changing and life-saving support for women and girls. I met a few people whose lives were turned round as a result of their engagement with the services. They were pleased to attend the 40th anniversary event, because, they said, Nexus gave them their life and dignity back. The impact of its work is immeasurable when it comes to the individual. Today's debate is our chance not just to pay tribute but to recommit to delivering that support. Nexus and many other organisations are operating at maximum capacity. Northern Ireland still does not have a dedicated source of stable state funding for such organisations. The publication of the ending violence against women and girls strategic framework was welcome, but only £3 million over two years has been pledged towards its delivery. Many people will rightly ask whether the change that is needed can be delivered with such a small financial envelope. The lack of funding directed towards these matters has caused serious issues over many years. Services such as Nexus have, in large measure, been left to fend for themselves or receive sporadic and inconsistent funding. Eight months ago, the previous Minister of Health cut funding to Nexus, only to reverse that decision due to the public outcry. The organisations deserve better than that. They deserve stability and security, and they deserve to know that their services are valued by people from across our society. For 40 years, Nexus has provided vital services for women and girls across the North. It is time to reward its work with a better approach from government. Nexus helps to lead the way as we seek to end gender-based violence. We must support it and all other life-saving organisations in our community.

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

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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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