‘SATU attendance fall does not mean less sexual violence’

Síofra Grant

A reduction in attendance recorded at the Mullingar Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) does not reflect a reduction in rates of sexual violence, according to a local campaigner.

Last week, the HSE released its annual report on the six SATUs throughout Ireland, showing a 5% increase in attendance; Mullingar, however, experienced a 4% decrease in attendance.

While that may seem like a positive, according to Hazel Behan, co-founder of local organisation Éist – Saying No to Silence, the figure is a red herring.

“The reduction in figures in the Mullingar SATU, to me, doesn’t reflect a reduction in the rates of sexual violence,” she stated.

“It simply means fewer people are coming forward to get the medical help they deserve following an incident of rape or sexual violence.”

Ms Behan makes clear that is not a reflection of the SATU services in Mullingar – she complimented their “Trojan work” and said they are “angels in disguise”.

“They provide the most vulnerable, predominantly women, with unbelievable care and support.”

She explained why the decrease in recorded figures isn’t a good sign; in fact it’s the opposite: “I don’t want to burst any bubbles or anything, but I feel any reduction that involves sexual violence is automatically assumed to be a positive thing.

“And nine times out of 10 it is, but for me it’s actually concerning because we know, statistically speaking, that rape, sexual violence, gender-based violence, domestic violence are all on the rise nationally.

“So if our SATU, which doesn’t just cover Mullingar, but a huge, far-reaching area, is reporting a 4% less intake of people coming in for care, that would tell me that people who have become victims of sexual violence are not receiving the medical care they deserve in the aftermath of violence.

“I would be quite concerned about that.” The review of the Mullingar SATU was complimentary as a whole, and included comments from survivors who used the service.

While each review had something positive to say, many also mentioned that the facility is too public and that a quieter area of the hospital would be more appropriate.

Ms Behan concurs. “It is, if I’m being totally honest, and this is no reflection on the fantastic staff that work there – they hold no power in where the facility is situated. But I think the HSE should revisit the positioning of the SATU. It is very open, survivors will be waiting in a public hallway.

“It is signposted within the hospital so, if you’re going in that direction, people could make an educated guess where you’re going.

“Now, I don’t think it would be respectful to survivors to have them buried down in a basement away from the light of day, nobody is suggesting that for a second – but I would encourage the SATU be moved to a more private space within the hospital grounds or across the road on the St Mary’s campus.

“I could understand on a personal level, why a victim might show up and realise how public the area is and decide to maybe leave, or if they already know where it is, just not go.”

As stated above, the 2025 report recorded a nationwide increase in attendance of 5%. According to Ms Behan, whose organisation works to support victims of sexual violence support, that is a good thing. “I suppose it’s the same if it rises by 5% as it does if it falls by 4%. This is just a reflection of the number of, predominantly women, who decided to get the medical care they deserve.

“We know sexual and gender based violence is on the rise, it’s flying up, and you know that if the SATU attendance isn’t matching that, it tells me people are not getting the medical care that they deserve.”

One thing Ms Behan made sure clear is: “You can be treated following a rape or sexual assault and still not have to report the crime. I think that message needs to be highlighted a lot more as it may, hopefully, encourage people to access medical care without the fear of being pressured into reporting a crime.”

Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, stated: “The latest figures showing an increase in the number of people accessing 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. “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 call 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 support must be strengthened and protected. 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.”