The Domestic and Sexual Abuse (DSA) Helpline, hosted by Nexus, has revealed certain groups of people are underrepresented in its calls, as they face societal barriers to seeking support.
Abuse can occur in any household and among friends or family and often escalates during the holiday period.
The Helpline is urging people in these groups who are experiencing abuse and people who are worried about them, to seek support on its 24/7 confidential helpline or webchat during Christmas, New Year and beyond.
The Helpline can be contacted on 0808 802 1414, help@dsahelpline.org, or via live chat at dsahelpline.org.
Emma Mitchell, DSA Helpline Coordinator, said:
“Christmas is often seen as a time for joy and togetherness, but for many it is a period of heightened vulnerability, especially for people in marginalised groups in abusive relationships. Men, older people, and LGBTQIA+ individuals often face societal barriers that prevent them from disclosing abuse. For many, issues like dependence on an abuser, social isolation, or concerns about discrimination or family disruption create additional hurdles to seeking help.
“While call numbers from these demographics are comparatively low, we know targeted campaigns and media coverage can encourage more people to come forward.
“For instance, following the release of Netflix’s Baby Reindeer this year we saw weekly average [i] male callers to the Helpline double and a significant rise in older people reaching out during tailored promotional efforts in June, July and August [ii].
“Behind every contact is a person who has found the courage to seek mush needed support and these spikes demonstrate that abuse in these groups is real and prevalent.
“Our team is here 24/7, every day of the year, to provide a listening ear and connect people with the support they need. We encourage anyone impacted by domestic or sexual abuse in Northern Ireland to contact us for information and support. You can also contact us if you are worried someone you know and love is in an abusive relationship and you don’t know what to do.”
The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, hosted by Nexus, is confidential, operates 24/7 365 days a year, and can be reached on 0808 802 1414. Support is also available via email at help@deshelpline.org and online at dsahelpline.org to ‘Live Chat’ with an advisor.
If you are in immediate danger, please call the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 999.
Ends
Notes to editors
[i] Number of male callers each week 24/25:
- 04.03.24 – 10.03.24: 1
- 11.03.24 – 17.03.24: 3
- 18.03.24 – 24.03.24: 7
- 25.03.24 – 31.03.24: 8
- 01.04.24 – 07.04.24: 6
- 08.04.24 – 14.04.24: 7 – (Baby Reindeer released – 11th April)
- 15.04.24 – 21.04.24: 11
- 22.04.24 – 28.04.24: 7
- 29.04.24 – 05.05.24: 7
- 06.05.24 – 12.05.24: 16 (Piers Morgan interview w/ Fiona Harvey- 10th May)
- 13.05.24 – 19.05.24: 9
- 20.05.24 – 26.05.24: 10
- Average number of male callers each week:
- Pre Release – 04.03.24 – 07.04.24: 5
- During/Post release – 08.04.24 – 26.05.24: 9.6
[ii] 17th June – 18th August 2024: 80 calls vs. 17th June – 18th August 2023: 39 calls from people aged 55+. = 105% increase in calls
- The DSA Helpline is hosted by Nexus on behalf of the Department of Health, Department of Justice and Department for Communities. For more information visit: dsahelpline.org
- Nexus is Northern Ireland’s leading charity supporting people impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships. For more information visit: nexusni.org
- For further information please contact Hannah Loughran, Communications & Engagement Officer via 07395 799 366 or email communications@nexusni.org – responses will be issued until Friday 20th December at 4pm when Nexus offices close until 9am on Thursday 2nd January.
- If you need advice or support, call the 24hr Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414, it is available 24/7, 365 days a year, for any individual impacted by domestic or sexual abuse, either directly or indirectly. Webchat and email services are also available on dsahelpline.org and help@dsahelpline.org.