NCJ Number
243778
Date Published
June 2008
Length
138 pages
Annotation
The Health, Social Services and Public Safety Department of the Northern Ireland Office proposes a victim-focused regional strategy for addressing sexual violence and abuse.
Abstract
The proposed regional strategy is based on the government's commitment to developing an integrated approach through which all resource agencies and organizations work together to ensure that victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse receive appropriate and high-quality services. Background information for the strategy discusses the prevalence and diversity of victims of sexual abuse and violence, as well as the characteristics of perpetrators and the settings in which sex offenses occur. The impact of these offenses on victims and society are also reviewed. Following the background overview of the issue, the aims of the regional strategy are outlined. They are to increase public awareness of the problem; to improve responses of the criminal justice system to victims; to provide improved support for victims/survivors and their families; and to intervene with perpetrators in order to reduce risk and prevent reoffending. The regional strategy specifies the responsibilities of the government and its agencies in partnership with volunteer and private service organizations. The regional strategy also envisions outcomes to be achieved over the next 5 years (2008-2013). A 2008-2009 Action Plan, which is published with the regional strategy, explains the key actions that will initially support the objectives of the regional strategy. In November 2007, a new Inter-Ministerial Group on Domestic and Sexual Violence was created by the Northern Ireland Executive to lead and coordinate efforts across the government in addressing domestic and sexual violence. 36 references and appended listings of the memberships of various government bodies involved in the regional strategy