Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong spoke at the event for Nexus NI, as part of their Break the Silence movement. It is calling on MLAs to pledge to do more, helping the organisation and other specialist agencies get the financial support to raise awareness and meet the needs of victims.
“Sadly, sexual violence has reached more public attention recently because more famous people are coming forward, speaking out as part of the ‘Me Too’ and the ‘Time’s Up’ campaigns. It is indeed time to break the silence,” said Ms Armstrong.
“Sexual violence can have a lifelong and devastating impact on its victims. It doesn’t only happen in one constituency, it doesn’t only happen in one way and it doesn’t only happen to one sort of person. All of those people whose lives have been affected by sexual violence deserve to have access to the specialist counselling Nexus provide.
“I wanted to help launch this event to try and help Nexus, while pledging my support. I would encourage everyone to do the same – spread the word about their work, about their needs and the needs of victims, and help them break the silence on sexual violence.”
Further information on the #BreakTheSilence campaign is available at http://nexusni.org/