Fianna Fáil TD, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor has said there is significant need for more 24/7 Sexual Assault and Trauma Units around the country to help support victims of sexual assault.
At present there is only one unit based in Dublin, which makes little sense to a victim who may need the resources of the unit who lives outside of that area.
Speaking on this highly important issue, and in light of recent events, Murnane O’Connor has called for engagement on this issue.
“6% of women in Ireland have experienced gender-based sexual violence by a partner or former partner. This is a shocking statistic. Considering this, there is only one 24/7 Sexual
Assault and Trauma Units in the country and that is based in Dublin. That is of little use to a victim who is living outside of the area.”
“There are currently six Sexual Assault and Trauma Units in the country. They are based in Galway, Mullingar, Waterford, Dublin, Donegal, and Cork. There is one based in each province around the country, but they are not open 24/7.”
Deputy Murnane O’Connor has called on the government to engage with the units and with gender-based violence charities to see what can be done to make these units available 24/7.
“There is unfortunately a demand there for help for victims of sexual violence. In 2023 alone, there were 1,448 disclosures of sexual abuse made to the Women’s Aid services.”
“We need to engage with those who are involved with the units and engage with charities to see what we can do to allow more access to 24/7 support for victims of sexual abuse.
There is a need to get around the table on this and see where the gaps exist and what we can do to fill them.”
Deputy Murnane O’Connor has said she will engage with her party colleague and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on the issue.
“I will engage with my party colleague and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on this, and this issue is something I know he is also very passionate about. I will seek more clarity on what can be done to help victims access these units on a 24/7 basis, and how we can look at building more Sexual Assault and Trauma Units nationwide, alongside anything else that may arise during our discussions.”
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