Ireland's busiest sexual assault treatment unit records 12% rise in cases

Sexual assault treatment units provide 24/7 specialist care to people who have experienced sexual violence, including medical care, forensic examination, evidence storage, and access to psychological support

Thu, 29 Jan, 2026 - 14:24

Cormac O’Keeffe

The country’s busiest sexual assault treatment unit (SATU) saw a 12% increase in the numbers of people presenting to it in 2025.

The SATU at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin city centre now accounts for 41% of all attendances across the country’s six units.

In a statement, the head of National SATU Services said the record level of activity reflects the “sustained demand for trauma-informed” care and the vital role the Rotunda unit plays in the country.

The Rotunda’s SATU provides specialist, trauma-informed care to people aged 14 and over who have experienced rape or sexual assault. The increase in cases at the Rotunda, positioned at the top of O’Connell Street, reflects a general rise in cases nationally.

SATUs provide 24/7 specialist care to people who have experienced sexual violence, including medical care, forensic examination, evidence storage, and access to psychological support. The service is provided regardless of whether individuals choose to report to An Garda Síochána.

The SATU statement said the majority of those attending identified as female, with people accessing care at the Rotunda SATU ranging in age from under 14 to over 70.

Professor Maeve Eogan, clinical lead for National SATU Services and consultant at The Rotunda Hospital said: “Every person who attends the Rotunda SATU is seeking care, safety and support at an extremely difficult time. 2025 was an exceptionally busy year for the Rotunda SATU, with a sustained level of demand throughout the year.”

She said the team “worked tirelessly” to ensure that people were seen promptly and supported with dignity and care. “But these figures clearly demonstrate the ongoing pressure on specialist services and the need to plan for continued demand,” she said.

Prof. Eogan said demand remained consistently high throughout the year, with June identified as the busiest month and Wednesdays the busiest day of the week.

She said:

While most incidents occurred overnight and at weekends, the majority of people attended the service during daytime hours, highlighting the need for sustained staffing and resources across the full week.

“Where urgent care was required, the majority were seen within three hours of requesting support, and nearly 90% of people had the opportunity to speak with a psychological support worker at their first attendance.”

She added: “Care pathways at Rotunda SATU included forensic examination with An Garda Síochána, evidence storage, and a health-check option, ensuring people could access medical care and support regardless of whether they chose to engage with the criminal justice system.”

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Prof. Eogan said the record level of activity they are experiencing highlights the “vital role” of SATU services and the importance of “continued investment and support” to ensure the service can meet growing demand.

“Ongoing funding is essential to maintain 24/7 specialist care, support highly trained staff and ensure that all patients can access the care they need in a safe and compassionate environment,” she said.

The five other SATUs are in Cork, Donegal, Galway, Mullingar and Waterford.