Urgent investment in Sexual Assault Treatment Units needed says Longford-Westmeath TD

A Longford-Westmeath TD has called for urgent investment in Sexual Assault Treatment Units as demand continues to rise.

Sinn Féin’s Sorca Clarke, who was commenting on the latest HSE report, said it is deeply concerning that demand for these vital services continues to grow while staffing shortages and inadequate facilities are impacting the delivery of care.

“The latest figures showing an increase in the number of people accessing Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) highlight the urgent need for greater investment in frontline services for survivors of sexual violence.

“The fact that almost half of those accessing SATUs are under the age of 25 is particularly alarming and underlines the importance of ensuring survivors can access timely, specialist care when they need it most.”

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Deputy Clarke said the survivors of sexual violence 'deserve compassionate, trauma-informed care without delays'.

“No one should face additional distress because services are under-resourced or operating without sufficient staff or facilities.

“I am calling on the Government to urgently invest in expanding SATU capacity, recruit and retain the specialist staff required, and ensure every unit has the facilities necessary to meet increasing demand. Access to counselling, forensic examinations, sexual health services and ongoing psychological supports must be strengthened and protected.

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“Every survivor who comes forward deserves support and confidence that the health service will be there for them.

“The Government must act now to ensure SATUs have the resources they need to provide that care.”