Naomi Long

ASSIST NI will provide an adult service for victims who are aged 18 and above, and a separate service for children and young people who are 17 years of age and below, who are engaging with the criminal justice system.

Both services will be available to victims of domestic abuse who are assessed by the PSNI as being at high-risk of serious harm, as well as victims of serious sexual offences.

The adult scheme is scheduled to launch on 1 April 2025, while the children’s advocacy service is set to commence on 1 July 2025.

Justice minister Naomi Long said: “I am acutely aware of the trauma and distress experienced by victims of domestic and sexual abuse and how their anguish can be compounded further if they don’t receive adequate support.

“I am determined they should be able to access help at the earliest opportunity and the services announced today will ensure victims of these despicable crimes are not alone during what can be an incredibly difficult process.

“The services will be available to those deemed to be at high-risk of serious harm and that will allow us to focus our efforts on those who most need the support.

“Most importantly, the victim is at the heart of the service — advocacy means taking account of the victim’s needs and working towards meeting those, by providing information which allows victims to explore their options and help them make decisions about the best way forward.

“This advocacy service is key to ensuring the victim’s voice is heard and taken account of. I want to empower victims as I believe doing this is a crucial element on their journey to recovery.”

Police will refer adult and child high-risk victims of domestic abuse, including those who have been subject to a referral to a multi-agency risk assessment conference, to ASSIST NI. 

The Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) will also refer adults who have self-referred to the SARC in respect of a sexual assault but are not yet engaging with the criminal justice system. 

ASSIST NI will also support children who have been referred by social services, following attendance at the Rowan SARC, but are not yet engaging with the criminal justice system.  

ASSIST NI is managed by a partnership consisting of Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid, Foyle Women’s Aid and the Men’s Advisory Project. These three specialist organisations have a lengthy and wide range of expertise in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse.