§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the(a) availability of services for and (b) level of need of victims of sexual abuse in Northern Ireland. [183016]
§ Angela SmithNo such assessment has been completed to date in relation to services provided directly, or funded by, HSS boards and trusts. However, key preliminary research to inform the development of a regional strategy to address sexual abuse is now under way. This will include compiling baseline information 111W on the current availability of services for victims and work on assessing the level of need. In co-operation with other Departments and agencies whose responsibilities also encompass matters relating to sexual abuse, it is the Department of Health, Social Service's and Public Safety's intention to develop and publish the draft strategy for consultation by late summer 2005. In terms of services provided by the PSNI, there are currently 11 Child Abuse and Rape Enquiry (CARE) units and four CARE suites. Each CARE unit is staffed by five to eight Detective Constables and one Detective Sergeant, with one Detective Inspector responsible for two to three CARE units.
§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research he has collated on the percentage of those with mental illness who report having suffered sexual abuse. [183025]
§ Angela SmithThe information requested is not available.