Ministers praise vital work of Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Antrim

L-R: Justice Minister Naomi Long, Northern Trust Chief Executive Jennifer Welsh, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Justice Minister Naomi Long recently visited the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Antrim, praising its essential role in supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence through a robust partnership between health and justice services.

The Rowan Centre, a collaborative effort between the Department of Health and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), is managed by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

Operating round-the-clock, 365 days a year, the facility provides a lifeline for those who have experienced sexual abuse, assault, or rape, offering medical care, forensic services, and emotional support. Since opening in 2013, it has assisted nearly 9,000 individuals, making it a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s response to sexual violence.

During their visit, the Ministers toured the facility and met with its highly trained staff, gaining insight into the centre’s comprehensive services. The visit highlighted the centre’s alignment with the cross-departmental Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy (2024-2031), which seeks to tackle domestic and sexual abuse across all communities.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt lauded the centre’s impact, stating:

“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.”

Justice Minister Naomi Long emphasised the centre’s dual role in supporting victims and aiding justice processes, saying:

“Attending the Rowan Centre is often 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 on-site 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 Centre demonstrate our commitment to helping victims navigate the criminal justice system while also accessing high-quality healthcare.”

The Rowan Centre’s services include forensic examinations, immediate medical care, and access to advocacy through ASSIST NI, which provides on-site support. Victims can also receive information about legal guidance from Victim Support NI’s Sexual Offences Legal Advisers, who offer expert advice for serious sexual offence cases up to the point of trial.

This holistic approach ensures victims receive both practical and emotional support tailored to their needs.

Jennifer Welsh, Chief Executive of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, expressed pride in the centre’s achievements, stating:

“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 9,000 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.”

The Ministers’ visit underscores the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment to addressing the rising challenge of sexual violence through integrated health and justice initiatives.

The Rowan Centre remains a beacon of hope, offering compassionate, specialised care and demonstrating the power of partnership in supporting survivors and pursuing justice.