The State's forensic science laboratory has seen a 30% rise in sexual assault cases so far this year.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has welcomed a new funding, staffing and policy package for Ireland's nurse-led Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs).

Issues raised over lack of forensic examination units nationwide

There was a 31% increase in the number of individuals attending the sexual assault treatment unit (SATU) in Cork last year.

The lack of dedicated sexual assault treatment units for children is adding “immensely” to the trauma of families trying to deal with child sex abuse.

Sexual Assault Treatment Units are planning to allow victims of sexual assault or rape the option of preserving biological evidence for a year.

Using language sensitively when discussing victims of rape and sexual violence is important, according to Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop

VICTIMS of sexual assault in Kerry will still have to travel outside the county — to Waterford in some cases — for examinations and treatment.

THE Rape Crisis Network is to write “begging letters” to refrigeration companies in an effort to maintain evidence in cases that may lead to more court actions.

THE number of 14-year- olds being counselled following sexual assault in Cork almost doubled between 2009 and 2010 and many of the alleged abusers were other teenagers.

Our hypersexualised society is having devastating consequences for children, with teen rape cases far more commonplace writes Claire O’Sullivan

THE 25 rape victims whose criminal cases may be thrown out due to a nurse’s failure to register with the nursing board met with gardaí and the DPP yesterday to discuss the consequences for their cases.

Concerns have emerged over the cases of 25 people who were examined at the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at Letterkenny General Hospital following an administrative error by the HSE.

A YOUNG woman who says she was raped at the age of 14 has spoken out against a justice system which she feels utterly let her down after her attacker walked free.

CHILDREN sexually abused up to the age of 14 are, in many cases, awaiting several days to be forensically examined.

IT is shocking to think the state provides no dedicated specialist services to examine, interview and support young children who have been sexually abused or assaulted.

SIX in every 10 victims who attended sexual assault treatment units last year knew their attackers.

MORE than 200 women attended Ireland’s main sex assault treatment unit in the first eight months of this year — meaning an attack was reported almost every day during the period.

IRELAND’S main sex assault treatment unit has attended to 27 rape victims since the start of August — the equivalent of one person every day.

VICTIMS of rape in Galway and Mullingar have to travel to Dublin to be examined following an attack, as promised sexual assault units have not yet been opened.

The number of rapes declined in 2007 but campaigners say less victims are coming forward for help.

THIRTY-ONE people reported being raped in Dublin in July — the equivalent of one sexual assault for every day of the month.

Revellers were today warned to be extra vigilant of sexual predators over the festive period.

More than one woman is raped in Dublin every day, new figures revealed today.

RAPE and sexual assault offences are on the rise but Ireland has the highest number of criminal cases collapsing before they reach the courts, it emerged yesterday.

FEMALE victims of rape and violence are to benefit from the Government’s first injection of money into support services since the last general election.

There were 16,331 calls made to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in 2005, according to the centre’s annual report published yesterday.

NO extra money will be made available for sexual assault units this year despite a Government review which found their survival is in jeopardy due to a funding crisis.

The Government is to unveil a major new report aimed at improving the services for the victims of sexual abuse today.

THE future of three of the country’s four sexual assault treatment units (SATUs) is in jeopardy because of a lack of funding and a shortage of staff, according to a report to be launched today.

NEARLY one-third of those who attended the country’s biggest sexual assault unit last year had suffered memory loss due to heavy drinking, according to its director.

THE Government was criticised yesterday for its continuing failure to publish a blueprint for improving treatment services for victims of sexual assault.

THE Irish Nurses’ Organisation (INO) has called on Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney to implement recommendations to overhaul the treatment of victims of sexual assault.

An unpublished report finds low staffing levels and a lack of funding mean that three of the country’s four sexual assault treatment units are under serious threat, writes Catherine Shanahan.

THE future of three of the country’s four sexual assault treatment units (SATUs) is in jeopardy because of a lack of funding and a shortage of staff.

VICTIMS of rape and sexual abuse are waiting four months for counselling in some parts of the country because of a lack of funding.

RAPE and sexual attacks by complete strangers are on the increase, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has warned.