To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 42486/11-15, for his assessment of the effectiveness of these measures, including in encouraging victims of sexual violence and abuse to report these crimes.

The measures included in my response to AQW 42486/11-15, which are wide-ranging in nature, have contributed to enhance the provision of advice and support to victims of sexual violence and abuse and raise awareness of health and social care needs.

These services encourage victims of sexual violence and abuse to report these crimes, where necessary and appropriate, to the authorities. This decision though may ultimately rest with the victim. Should victims decide on this route additional support will be provided through the criminal justice system and victims are also encouraged to use to the services of Victim Support NI.