Nexus Breaking the Cycle of Sexual Abuse and Abusive Relationships. We value diverse opinions, so you may disagree with some content that we come across.

Support and information is available 24/7 from the Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414, [email protected] or via dsahelpline.org Social Media Guidelines

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Today's post is a reminder that the way we talk about sexual abuse can influence whether those affected feel supported o...
05/06/2026

Today's post is a reminder that the way we talk about sexual abuse can influence whether those affected feel supported or dismissed.

Questions, comments or attitudes that place responsibility on the person affected — instead of the person who caused harm — can increase shame, self-doubt and fear of speaking up.

There is no 'perfect' response to a traumatic experience, and no one is ever responsible for the abuse they went through.

Creating a safe and trusted space, listening without judgement, believing those with lived experience, and challenging harmful myths and stereotypes can make a real difference.

To learn more, check out our animation on victim blaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9E7pKU3ByE

‘Legal’ does not always mean safe.The Close the Consent Gap campaign is calling for changes to the law where there is a ...
05/06/2026

‘Legal’ does not always mean safe.

The Close the Consent Gap campaign is calling for changes to the law where there is a significant age difference between a young person and an adult.

At Nexus, we welcome this campaign and the important conversations it is creating around grooming, exploitation and power imbalances.

A young person may believe they are in a healthy, consensual relationship and still be experiencing grooming or exploitation. That's why it is important to look beyond age alone and consider factors such as power, influence and control.

We support measures that strengthen protections for young people and hope to see further consideration given to staggering the age of consent where there is a significant age difference.

To learn more about the campaign, and to keep an eye out for the petition going live, check out on Instagram.

R**e myths can have a harmful impact on those affected by r**e and/or sexual assault.They can influence how those with l...
04/06/2026

R**e myths can have a harmful impact on those affected by r**e and/or sexual assault.

They can influence how those with lived experience are treated, make it harder for them to come forward, and contribute to feelings of shame, self-blame, and fear of not being believed.

The reality is that r**e and other forms of sexual abuse can affect anyone, and there is no 'right' way to respond, disclose, or seek support. The responsibility for r**e and sexual assault always lies with the perpetrator.

If you have been affected by r**e and/or sexual abuse, support is available.

For immediate support, the 24/7 Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline is available for all adults:
📲 0808 802 1414
📩 [email protected]
💻 dsahelpline.org

For those impacted by sexual abuse, you can contact Nexus:
📞 028 9032 6803
🌐 nexusni.org

**eMyths

We welcome the sentencing of Stephen McCullagh and note the imposition of a minimum term of 31 years.While no sentence c...
03/06/2026

We welcome the sentencing of Stephen McCullagh and note the imposition of a minimum term of 31 years.

While no sentence can ever undo the profound harm caused or the immense loss, we hope that this outcome brings some sense of justice and acknowledgement to Natalie’s family. Our thoughts remain firmly with them at this incredibly difficult time.

This case is a stark reminder of the devastating and irreversible impact of violence against women and girls. It reinforces the urgent need for continued, collective action across society to prevent such violence, to support victims and survivors, and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

At Nexus NI, we remain committed to working on a whole societal basis to challenge the root causes of gender-based violence, to support those impacted, and to help create a society where women and girls are safe from harm.

As part of Volunteers' Week, we're celebrating the incredible contribution our volunteers make across Nexus.We're deligh...
03/06/2026

As part of Volunteers' Week, we're celebrating the incredible contribution our volunteers make across Nexus.

We're delighted to share the experiences of one of our Clinical Placement Volunteers, who has been supporting our work while gaining valuable skills and experience along the way.

We are grateful for the time, commitment and compassion our volunteers bring to the organisation. Their contributions help us continue supporting people impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships across Northern Ireland.

Interested in volunteering with Nexus?

Volunteering with us is an opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop new skills, enhance your CV, and be part of a supportive team making a real difference.

Register your interest for our volunteering opportunities at: nexusni.org/volunteers/

Volunteer Now

It's Pride Month!At Nexus, we're committed to breaking the cycle of sexual abuse and abusive relationships. For LGBTQIA+...
01/06/2026

It's Pride Month!

At Nexus, we're committed to breaking the cycle of sexual abuse and abusive relationships.

For LGBTQIA+ individuals, this includes challenging the stigma and barriers that can make it harder to seek support.

Everyone deserves access to safe, inclusive and non-judgemental support.

Not just this month. Every month.

🌈

Heading to AVA this weekend? 🎧If something doesn’t feel right, something has happened, or you’d like support, you can fi...
28/05/2026

Heading to AVA this weekend? 🎧

If something doesn’t feel right, something has happened, or you’d like support, you can find the Nexus team at the festival across both Friday 29th and Saturday 30th.

Support is available for anyone affected by sexual abuse or abusive relationships.

Partner with Nexus and help create a safer society for all.By choosing Nexus as your charity partner, you’re supporting ...
27/05/2026

Partner with Nexus and help create a safer society for all.

By choosing Nexus as your charity partner, you’re supporting people impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships - while helping to strengthen awareness, prevention and support across your organisation.

As a workplace partner, you can:

✅ Support access to specialist counselling and ther**eutic services
✅ Equip your team with the knowledge and confidence to respond to abuse
✅ Support employee engagement through fundraising campaigns
✅ Access expert-led training, education and practical resources
✅ Promote a culture of safety, respect and inclusion

Through partnership, you’re not just supporting a service - you’re helping to make support, education and change possible across our workplaces and communities.

📧Get in touch to explore partnership opportunities today by emailing us at [email protected]

🔗Or find out more: https://nexusni.org/fundraising/corporate-partnerships/

26/05/2026

Nexus CEO Joanne Barnes spoke to Stephen Nolan this morning following the decision not to jail three teenage boys convicted of ra**ng two girls in separate attacks in Hampshire.

We welcome the review of the sentencing given the serious nature of these offences. R**e is a serious sexual offence and can have long-term and lasting impacts on those affected.

We’d also like to highlight the importance of ensuring those affected by sexual abuse can access support, and are able to seek help when they are ready.

Nexus offers specialist counselling for those impacted by sexual abuse:
🔗 nexusni.org
📲 028 9032 6803

For immediate support for domestic and/or sexual abuse, you can contact the 24/7 Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline:

📞 0808 802 1414
📧 [email protected]
🌐 dsahelpline.org

Our office will be closed tomorrow for the spring bank holiday, reopening on Tuesday 26th May at 9am.If you need support...
24/05/2026

Our office will be closed tomorrow for the spring bank holiday, reopening on Tuesday 26th May at 9am.

If you need support during this time, the 24/7 Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline, hosted by Nexus, remains open and available for anyone who needs confidential information, advice or support:

📞 0808 802 1414
📧 [email protected]
🌐 dsahelpline.org

Address

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Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
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