Alcohol a factor in 75% of sexual attacks, figures show

THREE-QUARTERS of rape and sexual assault victims say alcohol was a factor in their attack, figures from the Waterford Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre show.

Drinking in Irish society is out of hand and something needs to be done to address it, according to Sheila Vereker of the Waterford unit.

"It is sad to see so many young people drinking to the point to which they are out of their skulls. Maybe society has to look at why this is happening," Ms Vereker said.

"Unfortunately alcohol does make people more vulnerable. It is seen in the cases going to the sexual assault treatment unit. Those figures show 73% have alcohol involved in whatever happened after."

Staff at the centre do not judge those who come forward looking for help, she said. They are there to counsel and advise, not pass judgment.

And they particularly want young people who find themselves the victims of abuse or rape to come forward.

"Young people are welcome to come to us. We will not judge their behaviour. We are here 24 hours and we just want to help," she added.

Figures just released for 2004 show a steady annual increase in client contacts since the centre's inception in 1984.

"Our services have expanded and evolved enormously in the intervening years to meet survivor needs.

"The outstanding achievement last year was the successful conclusion of a long campaign for the establishment of a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit for the south-east, which opened in Waterford Regional Hospital in September 2004.

"Here, victims of sexual violence receive treatment in a holistic manner, from a team comprising of a GP, garda, nurse and volunteer from our centre," she said.

Thanking the team of volunteers, Ms Vereker said: "It is heartening to see that in this materialistic age there are still people who put community welfare before financial gain."

The centre's statistics indicate that sexual crime - far from diminishing - is on the increase.

Women's Health Development Officer Roisin Egenton said that before the Waterford unit opened last year, victims of sexual assault either went to their local GP, who may not have had the necessary training, or had to travel to Dublin or Cork for forensic examination, which added to their trauma.

"The service we offer here is offered by a multi-disciplinary team, including hospital staff, community services, GPs, the gardaí and volunteers from the Rape and Sexual Assault Centre," she added.

The unit typically deals with distressed victims who have been through traumatic assaults in the previous 72 hours.

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

People who phone the unit, come in via their GP, the gardaí or present at A&E, are escorted to the unit by a plain clothes garda.

There is no public waiting area and privacy and confidentiality is tantamount.

An examination at the unit typically takes around one hour.

In the course of the confidential examination, a doctor will typically take swabs as well as urine and blood tests.

Following an examination, victims may also be offered emergency contraception, antibiotic cover, Tetanus and Hepatitis B vaccinations as well as a follow-up appointment for sexually transmitted infections screening.

"We want people to be aware that we are here and that people can contact us at any time.

"We also want people to evaluate our service so what we can attend to their needs and plan and train for the future," she said.

"Similar services to ours are available in the Rotunda, Cork, Tralee and Letterkenny. And there are plans for the service in Galway and Limerick," Ms Vereker said.

* The Waterford Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre can be contacted on 1800 296 296 and the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at Waterford Regional Hospital on 051-842157.

Seeking help

* Report the matter, either to the gardaí, your GP or directly to your local sexual assault treatment unit.

* 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 are unable to bring your own.