A special treatment unit providing 24 hour care to victims of sexual assault opens in Cork.
The Cork Rape Crisis Centre estimates that only one in four victims of sexual assault report the crime to Gardaí, and if a case goes to court a conviction is secured in less than ten per cent of cases.
A new Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) was officially opened by Minister for Health Mícheál Martin at the South Infirmary Victoria Hospital in Cork. The Department of Health is committed to improving support services for victims and providing better forensic evidence for potential court cases.
Mary Crilly from the Cork Rape Crisis Centre welcomes the establishment of the unit, which provides a round the clock confidential and free service dedicated to treating people who have been sexually assaulted.
The trauma can be reduced totally by coming into an area where people know exactly what they are about and what they are doing.
All aspects of treatment and care are provided in complete confidentiality to those who come through the doors, explains Finola Tobin,
We also try to look after their psychological needs, their fear of pregnancy, their fear of contracting sexually transmitted infections.
More of these units are required throughout the country, says the Cork Rape Crisis Centre, who reported that many of those who have already sought the unit’s services travelled from the greater Munster area.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 22 February 2002. The reporter is Jennie O’Sullivan.
