ENNISKILLEN’S branch of Nexus NI held an open day last Wednesday to mark Sexual Violence and Abuse Awareness Week.


Aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding sexual violence which discourages victims from coming forward, reporting abuse and seeking help, the organisation located on the Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen, opened its doors for the first time to the public.


A province wide strategy to change the lives of people affected by sexual violence and achieve a society free from the trauma of sexual violence was launched.


Those in attendance were encouraged to sign a pledge of support for anyone who has suffered sexual violence or abuse.
Besides its Enniskillen base, Nexus NI also operates out of two other offices in Londonderry and Belfast, along with 27 outreach sites.
The charity which provides specialist counselling for victims and survivors of any form of sexual violence across Northern Ireland has, in the past three years, seen a 22 per cent increase in the number of people referred to it for counselling, with no increase in funding.
Across the year 2016/17 Nexus NI will offer around 17,000 counselling sessions to around 1,000 people.


According to operations manager, Helena Bracken, there are 25 people on the Enniskillen branch’s waiting list.


“We have three counsellors working in Enniskillen, plus admin staff and myself as the operations manager,” she explained, “The counsellors would see 16 clients per week, providing long term counselling. We work with people for up to 18 weeks, but some times that isn’t even enough. This is long term work, which is why we have that waiting list.
“Unfortunately, people could be waiting for four months before they are seen.


“It is disheartening for us and obviously for the individuals themselves. When people phone us, it is a massive step for them, to have plucked up the courage maybe for the first time in their lives, only to be told: ‘You have done the right thing ringing us, but there is a ‘but’ here -- you will have to wait’.”


Nexus NI’s open day in Enniskillen saw politicians from all backgrounds sign the pledge supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence.
“It is very affirming for us to know we are so well supported,” said Helena, “Traditionally sexual violence and abuse is a subject that people don’t want to talk about, but hopefully, through the open day and the launch of the strategy, we will be able to break the silence and ensure that the issue isn’t swept under the carpet anymore.”


Nexus NI’s counselling service is completely confidential. 
Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence or for more information on the charity can contact the Enniskillen branch on 028 6632 0046.