ASSIST NI marks five years helping victims of domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland

Justice Minister Naomi Long is pictured with Kelly Andrews, Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid, Michelle Martin, AssistNI, and Rhonda Lusty – Men’s Advisory Project, at an event to mark five years of ASSIST NI, recognising  the important role of advocacy in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland.

Thursday 24 September 2026

Victims of domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland are being helped to navigate the criminal justice system with dedicated advocacy, safety planning and practical support through a service now marking five years in operation.

Five years of advocacy support

ASSIST NI was established in 2021 to provide advocacy support for victims of domestic and sexual abuse who are engaging with the criminal justice system. Advocates act as a central point of contact, providing support, risk assessment, safety planning, information and signposting to other services.

Justice Minister Naomi Long marked the service’s fifth anniversary at a ‘Marking 5 Years of Advocacy’ event at Stormont, alongside representatives from ASSIST NI, the PSNI, the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre and other partners.

The event also heard directly from someone with lived experience of domestic abuse, as well as professionals involved in supporting victims.

Helping victims through a difficult period

Justice Minister Naomi Long is pictured with Michelle Martin, AssistNI, at an event to mark five years of ASSIST NI, recognising the important role of advocacy in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland.

Minister Long said:

“For the past five years, ASSIST NI has played an important role in ensuring that victims of domestic and sexual abuse are supported, heard and empowered as they navigate what can be an incredibly difficult and challenging period in their lives.

“Advocacy is about making sure that victims do not have to face those challenges alone. It provides a trusted source of support, helping people to understand their options, access the services they need and have their voice heard.

“Today is an opportunity not only to recognise five years of advocacy, but also to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of those who have worked to develop and deliver these services.”

Agencies working together

The Minister said responding effectively to domestic and sexual abuse requires different agencies and specialist organisations to work together rather than attempting to tackle the issue in isolation.

“Tackling domestic and sexual abuse requires a collective response. No single organisation or agency can do this work in isolation.

“The partnerships represented here today demonstrate what can be achieved when statutory agencies, specialist services and the voluntary and community sector work together around the needs of victims.

“I am particularly pleased that today’s event gives us the opportunity to hear from an expert with lived experience of this service. The voices and experiences of victims must remain central to how we develop and improve services.”

Support for children and young people

Dedicated advocacy has also been developed for children and young people affected by domestic and sexual abuse, recognising that younger victims can have different needs and vulnerabilities.

Minister Long said:

“We know that domestic and sexual abuse can have a profound impact on children and young people. It is therefore vital that support recognises their individual circumstances, needs and vulnerabilities.

“The development of dedicated advocacy for children and young people is an important part of ensuring that they too have access to appropriate support and that their voices are heard.”

Looking beyond the five-year milestone

The Department of Justice says it remains committed to working with government, statutory agencies and the voluntary and community sector to improve the response to domestic and sexual abuse.

Minister Long added:

“Five years is an important milestone and an opportunity to recognise how far advocacy services have come. However, it is also an opportunity to look ahead.

“My Department remains committed to working with partners across government, statutory agencies and the voluntary and community sector to improve the response to domestic and sexual abuse and ensure victims are supported at every stage.

“I want to thank everyone involved in ASSIST NI for their contribution and commitment to supporting victims.”