What to do if you have just been raped or assualted

If you have been either raped or sexually assaulted, here is some useful information for you:

• Try to be somewhere that feels safe to you, and if possible, contact someone who you can trust to be with you.
• If you feel you are in immediate danger, dial 999 or 112.
• If you are physically injured, go to your GP or your nearest Emergency Department.
• If there is a possibility of pregnancy, you can use emergency contraception. The morning after pill, which is effective for up to 72 hours later is available from pharmacies or Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU).
• You do not have to make a decision right away about whether or not to report what has happened to you. But you might decide to at a later time, so do keep the clothes you were wearing at the time (do not wash them) in a paper bag.

Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) Information

A SATU is a safe place to go if you have been raped or sexually assaulted. They look after all genders and gender identities, aged 14 years and over. SATU provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated forensic, medical and holistic care service in the aftermath of a rape or sexual assault. They can also help if you cannot remember what happened but think you may have been sexually assaulted. SATU are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

A SATU can offer you:

1. A health check: Involves documenting your injuries, giving medications to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), organising your sexual health test – you can come back to us to get tested for STIs, getting you referrals for any other support you need.

2. A forensic exam with Gardaí: This is a type of exam carried out to get evidence following a sexual assault or rape. Forensic samples can be taken up to 7 days after a rape or sexual assault. This option is if you want to report the assault and give evidence to the Gardaí straight away.

3. A forensic exam without Gardaí: If you were sexually assaulted within the last 7 days but don’t know if you want to report the assault to the Gardaí, this option will give you some time to think. SATU can store the evidence for up to one year and the Gardaí will not be present.

Your healthcare needs are our priority. SATU will offer you a health check whether you decide to have a forensic exam or not. To make sure forensic evidence is not lost, after a very recent sexual assault- do not brush your teeth, wash or bathe, eat or drink. Do not worry if you can’t follow any of these steps, they can still do a forensic assessment. If you were assaulted more than 7 days ago, you can still go to a SATU for care.

SATU Contact Details

South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork.

Weekdays from 8am to 4.30pm, phone: 021 492 6297

Weekends and after 4.30pm, ask for SATU, phone: 021 492 6100

For more information visit the HSE website https://www2.hse.ie/services/satu/ 

Children aged under 14 years Please contact S.A.T.U and they can make an appropriate referral.