Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU)

29th August 2005

The 24-hour service for victims of rape and sexual assault in the South East has now been in operation for 12 months at Waterford Regional Hospital.  Forensic medical examinations are necessary if a case is to be processed by the criminal justice system and the SATU in WRH enables women and men to avail of services locally.  Prior to the establishment of this service in the South East, sexual assault victims had to travel to Cork or Dublin to access the forensic medical services. 

The (SATU) provides a co-ordinated service for victims of rape and sexual assault for both females and males who are age 14 and above. The designated unit is centrally located on the ground floor of WRH. All victims of alleged rape or sexual assault in the South East who report the incident to the Gardai may be seen (with their consent) at the SATU for forensic medical examination.  The service is available on a 24 hour, 365 days per year basis.  Services include prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy testing and post-coital contraceptive service, and referral for STI screening.

Roisin Egenton Women's Health Officer says, "I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment to the service; I know that they have worked tirelessly to get this service up and running.  My thanks go to all of the GPs and nurses, Gardai and rape crisis volunteers who provided the service in its first year.  Sexual assault is a traumatic and harrowing experience for any individual, our service enables victims to access forensic medical services and a wide range of health and counselling services (via Rape Crisis).  It is not often that we develop a health service and hope for a few number of users but we are happy to be able to provide the service for people in the South East." 

Ends

The benefits of the service include:

Discreet location in the Regional Hospital dedicated to the service, ensuring    anonymity and confidentiality

Clients' physical and psychological needs met by an non-judgemental and coordinated multidisciplinary team

Department of Justice follow-up, with the potential for criminal prosecution of perpetrators

Forensic medical examination services

Prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Pregnancy testing

Post-coital contraceptive service

Referral to STI Units for testing and, if necessary, further treatment

Shower/toilet facilities, refreshments, and clean change of clothes for clients

Increased public awareness of the issue of rape and sexual assault