AN awareness campaign
about Donegal's new Sex Assault Unit is needed to
raise its profile among the general public,
according to a local senator.
Senator Cecilia Keaveney said while health
professionals and Gardai were well aware of the
unit's existence in Letterkenny, many local people
were not.
“Those working within the system tend to say that,
while the Gardai and health services are aware of
the very good unit in Letterkenny, the general
public may not be as aware," she said.
"I think we all have a role to play in increasing
awareness of help for a very serious percentage of
our population that do suffer sexual assaults.”
Senator Keaveney made her comments following
yesterday's visit to Letterkenny Hospital by Health
Minister Mary Harney.
“Minister Harney today praised local staff in
Donegal as well as the representatives of the other
units. She said her priority would be to continue to
strengthen the existing SATUs rather than creating
new ones.”
Ireland now has six fully operational Sexual Assault
Treatment Units (SATUs), one of which is in
Letterkenny. Previously, sex assault victims in the
county had to travel as far as Dublin for treatment.
The local unit is directed by Chris King and staffed
by a number of clinical nurse specialists.
The centre is open to anyone who feels they may have
been the victim of an attack whether or not they
intend to pursue the issue legally.
Senator Keaveney added: “The fact that the age
groups of the people most at risk from sexual
assault is from 13-80 shows the diversity of those
at risk. The statistic also presented was that 95%
of victims are female.
"However, it was also pointed out that the role of
alcohol and illegal drugs should not be ignored when
the issue is being discussed." The Moville-based
senator wished the team at the new unit well.
"We would prefer not to need this type of resource
but alas it is a vital piece of humanity in a most
inhumane personal experience," added Senator
Keaveney. |
