It has been 40 years since local charity Nexus opened its doors to people impacted by sexual abuse.
Its beginnings are rooted in a community coming together after a spate of rapes in South Belfast in 1984, the past four decades has seen the Charity grow in size and reach, with over 18k people having received counselling support in the past 10 years alone.
Cara* was one of the people who has been supported through Nexus after she "felt completely lost".
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Speaking openly about her experience, she said: "In the early 2000s, I found myself in a place I never thought I would be—reaching out for support as I tried to navigate the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse. The abuse occurred at a very young age, and for years I carried the weight of that trauma in silence.
"Walking through the doors of Nexus was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also the first step towards healing.
"The counsellors at Nexus provided a safe, compassionate space where I could finally speak my truth, process my experiences, and begin to rebuild my sense of self. Looking back, I can see how crucial that period was in helping me move forward."
To commemorate its anniversary, buildings across Northern Ireland will be illuminated on November 4, symbolising solidarity with survivors and as a beacon of hope for those yet to seek support.
Joanne Barnes, CEO of Nexus, said: "While we are not celebrating the fact there is still a need for our services after 40 years, it’s important that we mark this milestone as a reminder to survivors of sexual abuse that we are here to support them, no matter when the abuse took place.
"We know when people see these stories in the media this prompts them to seek support, this has been evident in Nexus when there was extensive coverage of Jimmy Saville’s crimes in 2012, and when the Rugby Rape Trial was taking place in 2018."
Nexus has expanded from adult counselling to providing essential support for children, families, and professionals across Northern Ireland.
Joanne added: "We’re not only providing support, we’re working to prevent abuse through education on safe and healthy relationships. Nexus also trains professionals to recognise and respond to disclosures of abuse."
Additionally, Nexus manages Northern Ireland’s Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on behalf of Government and offers aftercare to people ready to continue their healing journey beyond therapy.
Joanne continued: "Demand for support has meant that gradually over the last 15 years the number of free counselling sessions available to our clients have decreased from 26 sessions to 12 sessions, however wait times have also dramatically reduced from 2 years in some cases, to 12 weeks, and our clients continuously report how much of a positive impact our services have on their lives – they are the reason we are here and will continue to be.
"There is much more we want and have to do, for example, I would like to see a therapeutic crisis de-escalation service in the immediate aftermath of an attack, when people are not yet ready for counselling, but need support to normalise and regulate their emotions."
Cara has urged anyone who needs help, to reach out, and says "there is hope on the other side".
"Reflecting on my journey, I can say that Nexus was there for me at a time when I felt completely lost, and it helped me find my way back to myself," she added.
"The counselling I received was not just about processing trauma—it was about reclaiming my life, finding my voice, and realising that I had the strength to overcome what happened to me. Since then, I have gone from strength to strength. I have turned my pain into purpose, channelling it into advocacy and support for others.
"To anyone considering reaching out to Nexus, I want you to know that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to be vulnerable, and it’s okay to take your time. Healing is not a linear process, and it takes immense courage to take that first step. But I am living proof that there is hope on the other side."
* Cara is not the woman's real name
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