Alleged victim of sex assault by doctor urges others to speak up

A WOMAN who reported being sexually assaulted by a doctor while she was still a teenager believes there may be other victims and she has urged them to contact the gardaí.

The woman is one of three people who have lodged complaints about the GP.

Detectives from the Cork North Garda Division have confirmed, as a result of the complaints, they are preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Officers have questioned the former medic who is no longer practising.

The victim, now in her mid-30s, said she was a young teenager when the sexual assaults took place.

“If there are other victims out there — and I do believe there are— I would ask them to come forward (to the gardaí),” she said.

The victim said she plucked up the courage to make a formal complaint because of the support and help she received from others. But she emphasised victims of sexual crimes need more help and don’t normally know where to find it.

“I would have major trust issues now and, as a consequence, would be very afraid of male GPs but I am trying to get over it. I had, at one time, a trust in doctors and it has been destroyed,” she said.

“I was embarrassed, ashamed and blamed myself for what happened to me but I now know, through support and help, it wasn’t my fault.

“I wouldn’t have gone to the gardaí myself without support.”

It has been claimed that the doctor at the centre of the investigation sexually assaulted each of the women on more than one occasion at his surgery in Co Cork during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Gardaí confirmed last week they had recently arrested the doctor, detaining him under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. He was later released without charge but a senior Garda spokesman said officers were preparing a file for the DPP, which should be finalised within a few weeks.

Meanwhile, an organisation that helps crime victims said it was available to offer advice to anybody sexually abused.

Sally Hanlon, a former garda and director of a group, Support After Crime Services, said the voluntary organisation has assisted a large number of sexual assault victims, including people whose experiences go back several years.

“We will deal with the process step-by-step and will arrange an appointment with a female garda if the person decides to proceed with a complaint. Our service is free and totally confidential,” Ms Hanlon said.

* Support After Crime Services can be contacted at 021 4302555.