To: Jennifer Carroll McNeill
Call for a 24/7 Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in the Midwest
Subject: Call for a 24/7 Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in the Midwest
Dear Minister
I am writing to ask you to support the urgent establishment of a 24/7 Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) in the Midwest.
At present, there is no 24/7 SATU service available in the Midwest. This means that survivors of rape and sexual assault may have to travel significant distances to access specialist, time-sensitive care that should be available locally.
A SATU provides essential care to anyone aged 14 or over who has experienced rape or sexual assault, including forensic medical examination, healthcare and STI screening, medication and other specialist supports. Importantly, these services are available 24/7, recognising that sexual assault can happen at any time.
While an out-of-hours Forensic Medical Examination (FME) service is available through University Hospital Limerick, this is not the same as having a 24/7 SATU in the region. The current arrangements can leave survivors facing delays, additional travel and the burden of navigating services at an already extremely difficult time.
For someone who has just experienced sexual assault, being told that they need to travel to another county to access appropriate care is not a sufficient or equitable solution.
There are currently 24/7 SATU services in Cork, Galway, Waterford and Mullingar. However, travelling to these locations from Limerick can involve considerable time, expense and logistical difficulties.
Regarding public travel, the available services can involve lengthy journey times, limited options and significant costs, particularly for those who may already be experiencing financial or emotional distress. We also have to take into account that the person will have to travel in the clothes that were raped or assaulted in. A decision a person should never have to make.
Travel should not be a barrier to accessing essential healthcare. Not everyone has access to a car, can afford private transport, or has someone available to accompany them on a long journey.
We need action
I would appreciate it if you could let me know what action you are willing to take on this issue and whether you will publicly support the establishment of a 24/7 SATU in the Midwest.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this important issue. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Why is this important?
I am therefore asking you, as the Minister for Health to;
- Publicly support the establishment of a full 24/7 SATU service in the Midwest.
- Raise this issue directly with the Minister for Health and the HSE.
- Ask why the Midwest does not currently have a 24/7 SATU and what resources are required to establish one.
- Seek a clear timeline for the establishment of a full 24/7 service in the region.
- Publicly commit to supporting efforts to ensure that survivors in Limerick and the wider Midwest can access specialist care locally.
This is not simply a question of convenience or transport. It is a question of access to healthcare, dignity, safety and equality for survivors of sexual assault.
We need a 24/7 SATU in the Midwest, and we need a clear commitment to making it happen.
