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	Sexual Violence "Under-reported" Fingal Independent December 10, 2009 http://www.fingal-independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/sexual-violence-underreported-1970320.html A new specialist referral centre is to be set up after it emerged that just one in four victims of sexual violence in Northern Ireland report their claims to the police. Counselling services are also to be increased, health minister Michael McGimpsey announced. A fifth of nearly 2,000 people aged between 16 and 64 who were surveyed admitted to being the subject of some form of sexual harassment or victimisation or serious sexual assault, but according to the new findings only 27% went to the police. The poll also revealed that 33% of victims of serious sexual assault and 29% of victims of sexual victimisation were aged 15 years or under when the incidents first occurred. Details of the under reporting were disclosed as Mr McGimpsey and NIO minister Paul Goggins announced a five-year regional strategy for tackling sexual violence and abuse. Initiatives include the establishment of a new specialist sexual assault referral centre at Antrim Area hospital and an increased capacity for counselling services. Mr Goggins said: "Sexual violence and abuse are crimes which many individuals find very difficult to talk about - but that is changing. "The number of people who participated in the survey suggests that we are beginning to break down barriers and make positive progress in supporting people to come forward." Mr McGimpsey said sexual violence and abuse could have a devastating impact on victims and their families. "We intend to ensure that Government remains fully committed to addressing the needs of all victims of sexual violence and abuse through full and effective implementation of the Tackling Sexual Violence and Abuse Strategy."
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