Nurses to be trained for forensic exams in sex attack cases

Nurses could soon be taking the stand to give evidence in sexual assault cases if plans to train them in examining sexual assault victims get the go-ahead.

A new Government report on violence against women is making the recommendation to speed up the examination process.

Up to now only doctors are authorised to carry out examinations on sexual assault victims but the Sexual Assault Review Committee is now recommending that nurses carry out the checks.

The move is aimed at speeding up the examination process, as well as removing the need for doctors to give evidence in court for sexual assault cases.

It is common practice in the UK and the US for nurses to train in forensic clinical examinations.

The move will be given a trial run before it is fully adopted.

The report by the national steering committee on Violence against Women also recommends two new treatment units to be opened in Galway and in the Midlands.