Rape services in crisis

An unpublished report finds low staffing levels and a lack of funding mean that three of the country’s four sexual assault treatment units are under serious threat, writes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 Rotunda Hospital in Dublin is home to the first dedicated sexual assault treatment service in Europe. It conducts 300 forensic medical examinations a year. Almost all of the cases are referred to the gardaí.

One-in-three of the victims it treats are from outside the Dublin area. Established in 1985, it has gained worldwide recognition as a centre of excellence. But staffing and funding issues pose a threat to the future of the unit. Difficulties in recruiting and retaining doctors have escalated. It is now dependent on a core group of just three doctors. Nursing staff are limited to a half-time nurse manager.