To ask the Minister of Health what assessment his Department has made on the length of waiting times for female domestic abuse survivors needing to access specialist mental health support.

Mental health support in Northern Ireland is available to anyone who needs it based on clinical need. All who need care and treatment, which may include female domestic abuse survivors, will be provided with services that are clinically appropriate in line with the regional stepped care model.

It is recognised that mental health services are under considerable pressure and some people have to wait long periods of time for access to these services. The Mental Health Strategy 2021–31 therefore introduced 35 actions to reform our mental health services. It is hoped that full delivery of the strategy will mean waiting times can be reduced and people can have easier access to services when they need it.

The regional Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is also available to support the mental wellbeing of survivors of domestic abuse. The Helpline is a confidential, Freephone service, funded jointly by my Department, the Department of Justice and the Department for Communities. Fully trained Helpline staff are there to listen and offer emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

It is important that those affected by domestic abuse reach out and seek help from support services. My Department continues to raise awareness and work is underway to develop a new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy following the completion of a Call for Views exercise earlier this year.