A 24-hour helpline to help victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence here has been launched by three Stormont ministers.
Run by Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline is funded by the Departments of Health, Justice and Social Development.
It includes a confidential telephone, email and text service and offers support to all women and men who are affected by domestic and sexual violence.
The North’s Health Minster, Edwin Poots, Justice Minister, David Ford, and Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, attended the launch.
Mr Poots said: “It is widely believed that, as well as reported cases of domestic and sexual violence, there are many more cases that remain unreported.
“Whether through intimidation, abuse or violence, it is appalling that victims feel unable or unwilling to confide in someone about what they have to endure.”
He concluded: “The 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline can help break that silence by providing a confidential support service to all victims, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality.”
The 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence is available on 0808 802 1414.
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