To ask the Minister of Health whether he will ensure the Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline and counselling services for children and young people are adequately funded.

My Department jointly funds the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline with the Department of Justice and the Department for Communities. The Helpline is a confidential, Freephone service available 24/7.

My Department jointly with the PSNI, also funds the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which delivers 24/7 support and services to children, young people, women and men who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped, whether this has happened in the past or more recently. The Rowan can provide information and advice on accessing other specialist support services and counselling which are available from a range of statutory, voluntary and community organisations.

The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust provides, on a regional basis, investigation and therapeutic support for children suspected or confirmed to be victims of sexual abuse through the Child Care Centre. In addition, there are a range of therapeutic services in all five HSC Trusts aimed at specific groups of children and young people. My Department is continuing to invest in these services in the context of the roll-out of the Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care.

Finally, my Department contracts Barnardo’s NI to provide therapeutic support for children and young people who are potentially vulnerable to child sexual exploitation.