'I feel braver, stronger' after reporting sexual abuse to police

A man who was sexually abused as a child said he felt "braver" and "stronger" after reporting the abuse to police.

Robert, not his real name, was seven when he was sexually abused by a friend's older brother, who was in his 20s at the time.

Robert didn't report the abuse to police until he was in his 40s and has encouraged other victims of sexual crime to speak out and report abuse.

The police said the perpetrator was arrested and charged, but that he died unexpectedly while the case was progressing through the criminal justice system.

Robert said although he never had his day in court, he doesn't regret coming forward.

"For years, I carried that silence into adulthood, convinced it was too late to speak and that no one would listen.

"I was really nervous, as a 40 year old man it felt as if you shouldn't say anything, but it really did help me in my own health, it really did," he added.

"It's the first time somebody said to me I believe you, and to hear that at my age was the biggest thing that could happen.

"As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community I also struggled with the added fear of stigma and misunderstanding, but your identity does not reduce and skew your experiences.

"Speaking out was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it was also one of the most powerful.

"I am sitting here today, I feel braver stronger and I just think everyone has to come out and say it out loud or it's going to get worse and worse and worse."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is urging people across Northern Ireland to challenge harmful myths about sexual crime and to support victims within minority communities as part of National Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.

In 2025, 4,360 sexual crimes, including online, were reported to the PSNI.

Of these, 1,690 reports were made by women, 2,238 from children and 326 from men.

In this time, 1,081 arrests were made that have since resulted in 297 charges, a 3% increase in arrests compared with 2024.

Det Supt Kerry Brennan from the PSNI's Public Protection Branch said: "One of the most damaging myths around sexual crime is that it only affects certain people or communities."

"The reality is that sexual abuse and sexual violence sadly affects children, women and men from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and those from ethnic minority communities," she continued.

"We know that many victims in these communities experience heightened fear, shame or isolation, and may worry they won't be believed or understood.

"Our message is clear: sexual crime is never the victim's fault, and we want to listen, support and protect you."

The PSNI is urging anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence, or anyone who is concerned about another person, to come forward.

The BBC Action Line offers information and support for anyone affected by current or historic sexual abuse.

Anyone who is suffering abuse can contact police on the non-emergency 101 number or 999 in an emergency.