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S.A.T.U.s
Do you know about Sexual Assault Treatment Units?
In Ireland, there are six S.A.T.U.s (Sexual Assault Treatment Units) located in Dublin (Rotunda Hospital), Letterkenny, Galway, Mullingar, Waterford, and Cork (SIUVH).
The services vary from unit to unit and thus it is recommended that your local Rape Crisis Centre or Gardai be the first port of call to those wishing to avail of sexual assault treatment services.
Who is the S.A.T.U. service for?
This service is offered, following a rape or sexual assault, to anyone over the age of 14 years who has reached puberty.
If you are less than 18 years of age you must have a parent or legal guardian with you. This is because he or she will have to sign consent (give permission) for the forensic clinical examination.
What does forensics mean?
The use of scientific methods and techniques to establish facts.
What is a Forensic Clinical Examination?
This is a special type of exam which is carried out to get evidence following a rape or sexual assault. It is done by a specially trained doctor or nurse.
When is a Forensic Clinical Examination carried out?
It can be carried out up to seven days after a rape or sexual assault.
What if it is more than 7 days since the rape or sexual assault?
The time limit for a forensic clinical examination to be useful for collecting this type of legal evidence is 7 days. However, after 7 days the staff in S.A.T.U will still help you by:
- Dealing with your worries
- Performing a general health check
- Organising follow-up care if required
Why is a Forensic Clinical Examination carried out?
A Forensic Clinical Examination is carried out for a number of reasons. These include:
- Assessing how you feel physically (body) and psychologically (mind)
Recording:
- Your health history
- Details of the incident
- Any injuries you may have received
- Saving forensic samples to get any evidence that may be present following the assault (This is why your clothes may be needed)
- Carrying out an ano-genital examination (examining the anus and/or penis, vagina etc.), if necessary
- Doing a urine pregnancy test on all female patients
- Giving emergency contraception if necessary
- Giving information about testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
What staff will be involved?
- Forensic Examiner - this can be a nurse or doctor
- Member of An Garda Siochána. A Garda must be there for legal reasons if you are having a forensic examination. They are not present if you are not reporting the crime to them
- Assisting nurse chaperone – this is a nurse who is present and helps during the examination
- A Rape Crisis Centre (R.C.C.) support worker
What if I change my mind once I go to the S.A.T.U.?
- You control what happens in the Unit
- You can choose not to go ahead with the exam
- You can stop the exam at any time
- The staff will always respect and support your wishes
Find a Rape Crisis Centre in Ireland: www.rcni.ie/rape-crisis-centres.aspx
Rape Crisis Network FREEPHONE: 1800 778888
Web: www.rcni.ie
Map of support services: www.rcni.ie/rape-crisis-centres.aspx
Offer a confidential, seven days a week 24-hour telephone helpline, staffed by trained counsellors who are available to listen to you and to any concerns you may have in regard to issues of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or childhood sexual abuse.
