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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what Government resources are available to help the victims of sexual abuse in Northern Ireland. [220628] Angela Smith: Health and Social Services Boards provide a range of medical and mental health services to victims of sexual abuse via the Health Trusts. These services include counselling, medical services provided in accident and emergency units and specialist genito- urinary unit services. Government Departments and other public sector bodies also provide funding to voluntary sector organisations, such as the Nexus Institute, the Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre (NI), and Victim Support NI, which offer counselling and support services to victims/survivors. The investigation of serious sexual offences and child abuse matters is the responsibility of the Care Units of the Police Service for Northern Ireland. The units are staffed by specially trained police officers and provide support to victims throughout investigations and subsequent court proceedings. The policy of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland is that the Department will consider the proper interests of victims (and witnesses) at every stage in the criminal process. The Department takes practical steps to give effect to its policy on the treatment of victims, including ensuring that staff treat victims with sensitivity and understanding, ensuring that proper use is made of appropriate legal measures to assist victims to give evidence to courts and that victims are kept informed of significant developments in the case in which they have an interest.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

431 c1664-5W;431 c1660-1W; 220628

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Abuse Northern Ireland Sexual offences Victims Victim support schemes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk