ASSIST NI was set up in 2021 by a partnership consisting of Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid, Foyle Family Justice Centre and Men’s Advisory Project.

The service is made up of advocates passionate about supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse.  The focus of the service is to forge and nurture strong working relationships with other services across Northern Ireland to ensure that victims of domestic abuse can access the support they need.

Where are ASSIST NI based? 

ASSIST NI advocates are located in police stations across Northern Ireland as well as the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre (the Rowan). 

How can ASSIST NI help me? 

Advocates at ASSIST NI work closely with the PSNI as well as statutory and voluntary services across NI.   If you have been the victim of domestic abuse and have been referred to the service by the PSNI or the Rowan Centre, ASSIST NI can help you in the following ways:- 

1. They can support you with your case and provide information on navigating the criminal justice system. 
2. They can assess your needs and risk, and work with you to create a safety support plan to help you deal with the trauma of any crime committed. 
3. They can provide you with non-judgmental, trauma-informed and victim-centred support. 
4. They can support and guide you, as well as encourage any engagement with the criminal justice system and advocate on your behalf where issues arise.
5. They can support you to access services. 

ASSIST NI supports victims of all genders, adults and young people, victims from the LGBTQ+ community and victims from minority faith or race groups.  The service is completely free and is delivered across Northern Ireland to provide trauma-informed support and vital information to all victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

For more information on the service, check out their website  https://assistni.org.uk/