Health and Justice Ministers visit The Rowan

The Health and Justice Ministers have highlighted the strong partnership work involved in supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence.

The Ministers jointly visited The Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Antrim to see firsthand the work taking place to support those who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped.

The Rowan delivers a range of services 24/7, 365 days per year, and is a partnership initiative between the Department of Health and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. It is hosted and managed by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

Objectives

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “The Rowan is a vital and commendable facility in supporting individuals affected by sexual violence in Northern Ireland.

“The cross departmental Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy (2024-2031) reflects our joint commitment to address and mitigate the impacts of domestic and sexual abuse across all communities.

“The work being done at The Rowan plays a crucial role in delivering the objectives of the Strategy, and I would like to thank you for your dedication and commitment to this important effort.”

Advocacy

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Attending The Rowan is often at times the first step in the long road to recovery for victims of a sexual crime.

“It plays a crucial role in ensuring evidence required to secure a conviction is obtained by specially trained staff.

“It also provides a range of other services aimed at supporting and guiding victims through the aftermath of sexual violence.

“For example, they can benefit from an onsite advocacy service provided by ASSIST NI.

“Staff in The Rowan can also offer information on other services, such as the Sexual Offences Legal Advisers based in Victim Support NI, who provide invaluable expert legal advice up to the point of trial in serious sexual offence cases.

“The facilities and services provided at The Rowan demonstrate our commitment to helping victims navigate the criminal justice system while also accessing high-quality healthcare.”

During the visit, the Ministers met the professional and highly trained staff from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre and were given a tour of the facility.

Specialist care

Jennifer Welsh, Northern Health and Social Care Trust Chief Executive, said: “We were very pleased to welcome both the Health Minister and the Justice Minister to The Rowan, and to have this opportunity to showcase the facility and the excellent standard of specialist care it provides.

“Since it opened back in 2013, The Rowan has led the way in meeting the needs of those impacted by sexual violence and in that time it has provided support to almost 9000 individuals and consistently put victims of sexual assault first.

“The facility is unique in Northern Ireland, and it illustrates how we can make a difference through collaboration and partnership working.

“Unfortunately, we know that sexual violence is an increasing concern in our society, and the multidisciplinary team at The Rowan is committed to playing its part in addressing this and ensuring that those in need know where to turn when they are at their most vulnerable.”

3rd April 2025