RCNI Press Release 20 June 2006
RCNI welcome publication of forensic medical examinations review by Dept. of Health & Children and the Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Rape Crisis Network Ireland today welcomed the launch of the Sexual Assault Treatment Services: A National Review at government buildings, 3pm, by Ministers of State, Frank Fahey and Sean Power.
Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘we are delighted this important review is being launched today and urge the government and in particular the new HSE structures which are called upon to deliver many of the main recommendations, to advance these without further delay. The outcome for victims of sexual assault will be more accessible specialised medical care and forensic expertise. Ultimately we want to cut down on the nightmare scenario for rape victims of being driven half way across the country to get to one of the four existing units. We are already behind schedule as the review envisaged two new units opening this year in the West and the Midlands. The full budget implications of the review are estimated at €2,815,612.’
Susan Miner, RCNI Services Support Coordinator said, ‘Rape Crisis Centres (RCCs) across the country have been bringing the lack of services to the public attention and demanding action for years. In the absence of State initiatives many Rape Crisis Centres have worked hard in partnership with medical practitioners to set up services in their areas. For example, the Waterford Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre agitated for years for the development of a local SATU. That unit finally opened in 2004. We are delighted that the review recognises these efforts and recommends secure and appropriate funding for all of the existing units, as well as the establishment of new units. We congratulate everyone whose efforts have brought this review to this stage.’
Notes:
• Currently functioning Sexual Assault Treatment Units exist in Dublin (the Rotunda), Waterford, Cork and Letterkenny. There have been a variety of forensic medical services in Limerick, Galway and Kerry which through resource difficulties have struggled to or ceased to function.
• The review recommends securing appropriate funding for the existing units and establishing two new units in Galway and in the Midlands this year at an estimated set up cost of €320,000.
• The review also identifies the need for the refurbishment of Garda Siochana facilities, with a budget estimate of €300,000.
• The RCNI participated in the Sexual Assault Review Committee along with the DoH&C, the HSE, the DJELR, An Garda Siochana DVSAIU, medical personnel from the SATU in the Rotunda, nursing personnel from the CARE unit in Letterkenny, the INO, nursing education personnel, the RCSI, GPs, a paediatrician, and personnel from RCCs.
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
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Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘we are delighted this important review is being launched today and urge the government and in particular the new HSE structures which are called upon to deliver many of the main recommendations, to advance these without further delay. The outcome for victims of sexual assault will be more accessible specialised medical care and forensic expertise. Ultimately we want to cut down on the nightmare scenario for rape victims of being driven half way across the country to get to one of the four existing units. We are already behind schedule as the review envisaged two new units opening this year in the West and the Midlands. The full budget implications of the review are estimated at €2,815,612.’
Susan Miner, RCNI Services Support Coordinator said, ‘Rape Crisis Centres (RCCs) across the country have been bringing the lack of services to the public attention and demanding action for years. In the absence of State initiatives many Rape Crisis Centres have worked hard in partnership with medical practitioners to set up services in their areas. For example, the Waterford Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre agitated for years for the development of a local SATU. That unit finally opened in 2004. We are delighted that the review recognises these efforts and recommends secure and appropriate funding for all of the existing units, as well as the establishment of new units. We congratulate everyone whose efforts have brought this review to this stage.’
Notes:
• Currently functioning Sexual Assault Treatment Units exist in Dublin (the Rotunda), Waterford, Cork and Letterkenny. There have been a variety of forensic medical services in Limerick, Galway and Kerry which through resource difficulties have struggled to or ceased to function.
• The review recommends securing appropriate funding for the existing units and establishing two new units in Galway and in the Midlands this year at an estimated set up cost of €320,000.
• The review also identifies the need for the refurbishment of Garda Siochana facilities, with a budget estimate of €300,000.
• The RCNI participated in the Sexual Assault Review Committee along with the DoH&C, the HSE, the DJELR, An Garda Siochana DVSAIU, medical personnel from the SATU in the Rotunda, nursing personnel from the CARE unit in Letterkenny, the INO, nursing education personnel, the RCSI, GPs, a paediatrician, and personnel from RCCs.
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
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