SATUs (Sexual Assault Treatment Units) were first established in Ireland in 1985. There are now 6 units located across the country. SATUs aim to provide holistic and non-judgemental care to victims of sexual crimes by addressing their medical, psychological, and emotional needs, while also aiding the legal process through forensic examination if desired. Services include forensic evidence collection, medical care, emergency contraception, STI testing and treatment, HIV assessment, psychological support, and referrals. SATUs strive to continually review and improve services for survivors. Some challenges include increasing awareness of SATUs and ensuring access, especially for child victims.

1. SATU

2. History & Development
 1st SATU established in Rotunda Hospital Dublin 1985
 2005 – sexual assault treatment services reviewed by HSE
 6 Units now established – Waterford, Cork, Galway, Donegal, Mullingar,
Dublin
 National Guidelines Committee
 Local Advisory Committees
 Clinical Nurse Specialist
 Options other than forensic examination
 Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault Treatment Service - Galway

3. Philosophy
 To provide an easily accessible, holistic service for victims of sexual
crime by addressing medical, psychological and emotional needs while
being cognisant of the place of forensic examination to aid the legal
process.
 To provide all treatment in a non-judgemental manner, conveying that
the patient is not responsible for the alleged assault.
 To continue to promote the development and progression of national
services for men and women who have been sexually assaulted. To
develop, promote and provide postgraduate education programmes
for doctors, midwives and nurses to ensure that highest quality care is
provided at all times.

4. Services
 Forensic evidence collected
 Medical attention given
 Emergency Contraception
 STI Testing
 STI prophylaxis
 Assessment for exposure to HIV
 Psychological support
 Referral
 3 Options

5. Positives
 Open referral
 Holistic
 Non-judgemental
 Survivors choice at all times
 Confidential
 Gateway to the judicial process
 24/7/365
 3 Options
 Constant review and development

6. Challenges
 Awareness/Perception of the service
 Access
 Child SATUs

7.  5% of Irish women have experienced sexual violence by a non-partner
since the age of 15, an additional 6% experienced sexual violence by a
partner since the age of 15 (FRA study).
 42% of women in Ireland have experienced some form of sexual
violence in their lifetime (SAVI).
 1 in 71 men have experienced rape in their lifetime, 1 in 5 men
experienced other forms of sexual violence US).
 28% of men in Ireland have experienced some form of sexual violence
in their lifetime (SAVI).
 2015 685 attendances in SATU
 92% female 8% male
 74% reported to Gardai