A Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) is a safe place to go if you have been raped or sexually assaulted.
We care for people of all genders and gender identities, age 14 and over.
We can help if you:
- have experienced unwanted sexual contact of any kind
- cannot remember what happened but think you may have been sexually assaulted
SATU staff are trained in caring for people who have been sexually assaulted. You will be cared for in a respectful, non-judgemental environment.
You can bring a friend or family member with you if you want to.
All SATU care is free.
If a child under 14 has been sexually assaulted, you can get help at Child and Adolescent Forensic Medical Assessment Services.
How we can help
A SATU can offer you:
- a health check
- medicines to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy
- a forensic exam
Go to a SATU as soon as possible
Medicines will work better when you take them as soon as possible.
If you want the rape or sexual assault to be investigated, get a forensic exam as soon as possible. This is because DNA evidence breaks down quickly.
Health check
We will offer you a health check whether you decide to get a forensic exam or not.
Health checks are different for each person.
We may:
- examine, treat and document your injuries
- screen and give you treatment to protect you against STIs
- refer you for any other support you need
Most SATUs have access to a specialist medical social worker. They provide emotional, practical and follow-up support.
Medicines
During your health check, we will explain the different medicines you may need.
These include:
- emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy - you can take this up to 5 days after an assault
- vaccines to prevent hepatitis B
- medicine to prevent HIV (PEP) - you need to take this within 72 hours (3 days and nights) after a possible exposure to HIV
Forensic exam
This is a type of exam we do to get evidence after a sexual assault or rape.
We can take forensic samples up to 7 days after a rape or sexual assault.
You can get a forensic exam when you:
- want to report the assault and give evidence to the Gardaí straight away
- need some time to think about whether to report the assault - we can store the evidence for up to 1 year, and the Gardaí will not be present
What happens during a forensic exam
If you were assaulted more than 7 days ago
You can still go to a SATU for care.
Even though it is too late to get forensic evidence, we can still do injury mapping. We will look at your injuries and document them in case you want to report the assault to the Gardaí.
We can also help with:
- sexual health testing
- giving you referrals for any other help you may need
Who you will meet at a SATU
Our team includes:
- an experienced nurse, midwife or doctor who is trained as a forensic examiner
- support staff (a nurse, midwife or care assistant)
There may also be:
- a volunteer from a rape crisis centre or Accompaniment Support Services for Children (ASSC) - they can support you during your visit, in total confidence
- a Garda - only if you would like them to be there or if you are reporting the assault
Confidentiality
We will keep your details confidential, unless we are concerned that you or anyone else is at risk of serious harm.
If there is a Garda investigation linked to the assault, evidence may need to be shared in court. The Gardaí will talk you through this process.
If you're under 18
If you or someone you know is under 18 and has been raped or sexually assaulted, it has to be reported to Tusla. This is to keep you safe and to give you support.
You will usually need to have a parent or trusted adult with you at the SATU. This is because sexual assault is a crime. We need to make sure you are not in any more danger.
If you are worried about telling your parent or guardian, we can discuss your options with you.
You can contact:
After being at a SATU
Recovering from sexual assault takes time. It is important to look after yourself and to accept care and support from others.
Support services
A support worker from a rape crisis centre or ASSC will be available to support you. They will give you information on follow-up care available to you when you are ready.
Accompaniment services
An accompaniment service can be helpful if you would like someone to be with you at the Garda station or in court.
Some rape crisis centres offer this service. You can call the national 24-hour confidential helpline any time.
Freephone: 1800 77 88 88
ASSC offers onsite court accompaniment services. This is for all young people who are victims of crime or a witness to a crime.