Debate contribution: Nexus: 40th Anniversary

Debate contribution by Ms Joanne Bunting on 9 December 2024.

MLA

Ms Joanne Bunting

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

9 December 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Nexus: 40th Anniversary

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4698790

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Sexual abuse is nothing less than a scourge on our society and, indeed, on the world in general. It is an ever-present looming shadow that knows no bounds of class, gender or creed, and its impact can be absolutely devastating. In some cases, it is the most fundamental breach of trust and the most brutal harm that can be exacted and inflicted, because not all sexual attacks are by strangers. It is so often a hidden crime that is covered up, reliant on the guilt, shame and fear of victims to keep them quiet and compliant. It is a violation of body and, often, of trust, causing immense damage that can fundamentally alter a victim's life as they turn in on themselves and turn the blame on themselves, questioning themselves, their decisions and their choices at every turn. It is important to remember that not all sexual attacks are for gratification. The weaponisation of sexual contact is as old as mankind and can be so much more about coercion, control and power.

Thankfully, there are organisations such as Nexus that help people not only to come to terms with one of the worst things that can happen to anybody but more: they help them to rebuild, go on with their lives and thrive. They may never forget but they will forge a path where they are no longer consumed by or defined by such an experience.

In recent years, progress has been made, but there is still much more to do. Legislatively, in Northern Ireland, we have seen a plethora of new offences created, and the foundations for some additional protections put in place, albeit some are not yet implemented. We have strategies in place, and the Executive have made ending violence against women and girls a priority, which is certainly to be welcomed. However, it is important to bear in mind that not all abusers are men and not all victims of abuse are women. Therefore, the processes, provisions and support systems that are in place must be mindful of the needs of all. Strategies are all well and good, but with words must come actions and, more importantly, practicalities. We need to make it easier for people to protect themselves and to leave abusive relationships. We need to provide them with proper and readily available facilities for health and housing, financial and legal advice and counselling where it is required. We must also protect the most vulnerable, in particular those, young and old, in care settings, from whom the evidence can be difficult to obtain. Importantly, the police must investigate thoroughly, with open, inquisitive minds and without bias, following all the evidence that they can gather wherever it may lead. That having been said, we still must ensure that the law is not misused or weaponised and that justice is blind, allowing, where possible, complainant and accused to have their day in court. I strongly believe that being sexually attacked is one of the worst things that can happen to a person, but it is also true that it is one of the worst crimes of which to be wrongly accused. Both can leave a person and their family forever damaged. Nevertheless, for survivors of sexual abuse who decide to seek criminal charges, sentencing is key. Likewise for the general public's confidence in the justice system. Victims will never forget. They will move forward, but they will never forget, and seeing their convicted abuser face justice can be cathartic, provided that the sentence befits the crime and is seen to do so. Societally, people are more prepared than ever to speak about their experiences in order to aid their recovery, and, importantly, to come forward and talk to the police and make formal complaints. Certainly, the stigma and shame once felt by victims are being broken down and, instead, placed squarely where they should rightfully be: at the feet of the perpetrators. Society is becoming increasingly intolerant of abusers. This debate provides another timely reminder to all that sexual abuse is a repugnant and reprehensible crime that will not be tolerated. I encourage anybody who is being abused to tell somebody. Seek help and advice when you are ready. Tell the police as quickly as possible, but however you proceed, do not keep it to yourself. Tell somebody, and then get the support that you need. I congratulate everybody at Nexus for all that they do in what is an extremely difficult, traumatic and disturbing area of work, which, I am certain, takes its toll on the well-being of the people who give of themselves to help. You all make an immense difference in the lives of many, and, without question, you have saved countless lives too — literally and in many other ways. I commend and congratulate you, and for as long as you are needed, I hope and pray that, in every way necessary, you will be provided with all that you need for your life-changing work.

831 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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