10% of sex assault unit attendees store evidence while considering complaint

Prior to introduction of 'Option 3', People had to make an all or nothing decision in terms of collection of forensic evidence, say experts

In the four years to the end of July 2020, there were 1,258 attendances at the Dublin SATU (832 patients were 18 or over), with 10% choosing Option 3.

One in ten people who attend a sexual assault treatment unit (SATU) have forensic evidence stored so they can decide whether to tell gardaí at a later stage.

Storage of forensic evidence without reporting to An Garda Síochána, known as Option 3, was introduced in August 2016. In the four years to the end of July 2020, there were 1,258 attendances at the Dublin SATU (832 patients were 18 or over), with 10% choosing Option 3.