Sexual assault is any sexual act that you:
- did not consent to
- are forced to do against your will
This includes rape.
If you have been sexually assaulted, it was not your fault. Sexual assault is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Do not be afraid to get help.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 now if:
- you are in immediate danger or need urgent help
Where to get help
If you have been sexually assaulted, support is available.
Gardaí
You can get help from your local Garda station in person or by phone.
Contact details for your local Garda station - garda.ie
Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU)
A SATU is a safe place to go if you have been raped or sexually assaulted.
SATUs can help by offering:
- a forensic exam
- medical care
You may need help for a possible pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
You can ask someone from your local rape crisis centre to come with you to the SATU if you wish.
Rape crisis centres
If you were sexually assaulted at any time in your life, a rape crisis centre can help.
They offer advice and support on where to go depending on your situation.
Freephone: 1800 77 88 88 (24-hour helpline)
Rape Crisis Services - drcc.ie
Your GP
You may feel more comfortable talking to your GP. They can refer you to the care you need.
If a child under 14 is sexually assaulted
If a child under 14 has been sexually assaulted, you can get help at Child and Adolescent Forensic Medical Assessment Services.
Reporting rape or sexual assault
There is no right or wrong way to feel if you have been raped or sexually assaulted. You do not have to report the assault to the Gardaí. You may need time to think about what has happened to you.
But if you think you want the crime to be investigated, it is better to have a forensic exam as soon as possible.
SATUs can store forensic samples for you for up to 1 year. During this time you can decide if you want to report the assault to the Gardaí or not.
Following the steps below can help if you decide to report.
If you have recently been sexually assaulted, try not to:
- eat or drink
- brush your teeth or use mouthwash
- smoke or vape
- shower or take a bath
- go to the toilet (pee or poo)
- wash your clothes or underwear
- touch or throw away any condoms used
You should keep any sanitary products or tampons you wore at the time of the assault or right afterwards.
Do not worry if you cannot follow any of these steps. We can still do a forensic exam.
If you're under 18
If you're under 18
By law, healthcare professionals have to protect children from harm.
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.
Consent
Not giving sexual consent means you did not give your permission for something to happen. This can be by using direct language (saying 'no'), or body language.
If you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, you are not able to give consent.
The age of consent to sexual activity is 17. If you are under 17, you are not legally old enough to consent to a sexual act, even if you want to.
Watch a video that explains sexual consent by comparing it to a cup of tea.
Copyright ©2015 Emmeline May and Blue Seat Studios
Read more information about consent on We-Consent
Rape and sexual assault
Rape is when you do not consent and someone:
- puts their penis into (penetrates) your vagina, anus (bottom) or mouth
- puts any object into your vagina
Sexual assault is when you do not consent and someone:
- puts an object or another part of their body (not penis) into any of your body openings (not vagina)
- touches you in a sexual way (groping)
- forces you to kiss them