Three of four sexual assault units in jeopardy

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.

The report, Sexual Assault Treatment Services — A National Review, which was commissioned by the Government, found:

* The unit in the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, which conducts 300 forensic medical examinations a year, “is now at crisis point” because of staffing difficulties. The service has to depend on the availability of nurses from the gynaecological ward to provide out-of-hours service to victims. Victims who are not filing a complaint to gardaí can attend by appointment only.