A harbour in the tempest

Neans McSweeney reports on the successful approach taken by a new centre for sexual assault victims.

MORE than eight out of 10 survivors of sexual violence who attended Waterford's Sexual Assault Treatment Unit last year were introduced to the service through the gardaí, new figures show.

Some 85% of those referred to the new, specialist unit at Waterford Regional Hospital last year were either brought there or told about the service by members of An Garda Siochana.

The high percentage reflects very favourably on the local gardaí and is testament to the cooperation between the various local services in their effort to help men and women through such crisis situations, according to HSE Women's Health Development Officer, Roisin Egenton.

"Eighty-five percent of our cases came from the gardaí. It is a very good reflection on them and the support and service they offer to victims of sexual violence. It shows they are doing a great job," Ms Egenton said.

"We get cases from all over the south-east as well as from outside counties such as Wicklow and Laois. Approximately 60 people were assessed at our unit last year. Among them were men and women aged from 14 to post-menopausal.

"We get at least eight phone inquiries each month. Some people come in to see us, others go forward and get the support of those at the Waterford Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre or the Community Child Centre at WRH. And also last year, 91% of those who came to us for help received counselling from the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre."

The centre opened in Waterford in September 2004 and eliminated the need for victims of sexual violence in the region to travel to Dublin and Cork for forensic examinations or search for a doctor trained in such an area.

The centre, one of just a handful of dedicated services for victims of sexual assault, is such a success that the multidisciplinary team behind the centre is working on a blueprint for the service which could be adopted in other counties.

"The service we offer here is offered by a multidisciplinary team, including hospital staff, community services, GPs, the gardaí and volunteers from the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre," Ms Egenton added.

The unit typically deals with distressed victims who have been through traumatic assaults in the previous 72 hours. And so far, the discreet, dedicated and confidential service has been very well received.

"There has been a very positive response from those who have been in touch with us," she said.

"We also provide follow-up care. While the service is located at Waterford Regional Hospital - a very busy hospital - we are situated in a very discreet location.

"Those who either phone us or come in through their GP, the gardaí or present at Accident and Emergency are escorted to the unit by a plain clothes garda. There is no public waiting area and privacy and confidentiality is tantamount."

The centre is busiest at night and over the last year, the summer months proved particularly busy.

Some victims come in the night they suffer an assault. Others take 24 hours before mustering up the courage to come forward. A nurse is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year so that anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or think they might have been, can contact the service.

* The national helpline for sexual assault victims is 1850 661 771.

What to do in the event of an assault:

- Report the matter, either to the gardaí, your GP or directly to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit on [phone]

- Delay taking a shower, even though it's probably the first thing you want to do

- Do not brush your teeth or take anything to drink

- If using the bathroom, do not use toilet tissue if possible

- When attending the unit, bring with you a spare set of clothes, where possible. Your own clothes will be taken in evidence. Clothes are available at the unit if you can't collect your own

Handy Contact Numbers:

- The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at Waterford Regional Hospital [phone] It's open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

- Sexually Transmitted Infection Unit, Waterford Regional Hospital [phone]. Monday to Friday

- Community Child Centre at Waterford Regional Hospital [phone] - Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

- The Samaritans, Beau Street, Waterford [phone]

- Victim Support National Helpline 1850 661 771

The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at Waterford Regional Hospital

- saw approximately 60 victims of sexual violence in 2005

- they were aged 14 upwards

- receives 10-15 phone queries monthly

- provided 91% of victims with counselling through the Rape Crisis Centre in Waterford

- received 85% of its referrals through the gardaí.