Sexual abuse charity see's 900 referrals during first month of lockdown

By Connor Stringer

A leading sexual abuse charity has provided over 900 sessions during the first month of Coronavirus lockdown.

Nexus NI has provided counselling to victims of sexual abuse for over 30 years but has been forced to change its service due to recent lockdown restrictions.

Usually, counselling sessions are held in person through the Belfast or Derry offices but now,  the organisation is offering counselling support to clients over the phone or video calls.

Brenda Kelly, Nexus NI CEO said the charity will continue to provide the 'best and consistent' service despite ongoing restrictions.

She said: “This has been a challenging time for our clients but Nexus NI have remained dedicated to providing the best and consistent service we can so we moved from providing face-to-face counselling to offering telephone counselling.  

"Due to our counsellors’ dedication, Nexus NI has been able to continue to support our vulnerable clients, in a time when they really need us the most.

"A huge thank you goes to our clinical staff for adapting to these exceptional circumstances. Our physical doors may be closed but our services remain open.”

Minister of Justice Naomi Long debating legisaltion in the Assembly yesterday.

It comes after new figures from the PSNI revealed it received almost 2,000 calls in the first three weeks of April during the coronavirus lockdown. 

Last month police already recorded an increase in calls since restrictions were introduced.

From 1st-21st April, 1,919 domestic abuse calls were made, which equates to a 10% increase on the 570 calls usually received each week.

Trevor Curran, Clinical Manager Nexus NI said social distancing measures are making it harder to offer support.

He said: “Due to social distancing, some of our clients are missing the support of friends and family to help them cope with the trauma caused by sexual abuse. 

"They also feel they can’t share their worries around the virus with friends and family because they don’t want to add to the burden. They may have also lost loved ones, relatives and friends to the virus and also require support with this."

He added: “We have other clients for whom the present situation has just taken over their lives.  When they are awake, they are terrified of catching it; when they are asleep, they are having nightmares about having it and they tune in to every news bulletin they can find which is increasing their anxiety and stress levels.

"It is important for our clients to know that help and support are out there, either through their counselling sessions or through the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline. 

"The Helpline, which is managed by Nexus NI continues to provide 24/7 support to those that need it. We are here for you and we will support you through this stressful and difficult time."