Rise in demand for sexual assault treatment
There was an increased demand for treatment for sexual assault at a Leeside clinic, new figures have shown.
The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) in Cork’s South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital experienced a year-on-year service demand increase of 5.5% of patients in 2025 compared to 2024.
The SATU provides forensic and medical aftercare service to people 14 years of age and older who have experienced rape or sexual crimes. The confidential service is free, operates 365 days with 24 hour cover and can be accessed through the gardaí, a GP, Rape Crisis Centre, emergency department or self-referral.
The SATU aims to provide the highest quality service to patients in a safe and caring environment. This includes their clinical responsiveness, which in 2025 saw 95% of patients seen within SATU’s three hour target following a service request, and the collection and storage of evidence through a new Cotexflo camera system that addresses the unique security and data-storage requirements of forensic medical examinations.
SATU also ensures extensive aftercare and follow up resources ranging from advice, support and referral to appropriate services for all patients.
25 years
To commemorate their 25 years in operation the SATU will hold a three-course lunch in the Kingsley Hotel on 19 June. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and cost €75 per person plus booking fee, or a table of eight can be purchased or donated at a cost of €550 plus a booking fee inclusive of the three course meal.
Margo Noonan, Nurse Lead at the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Cork’s South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital said: “The increase in demand for SATU’s services makes the significance of our 25 year anniversary lunch even more important. The lunch will celebrate the incredibly hard-working staff and team in the Cork South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, and commemorate those who have worked there previously.
“The demand for our service highlights the unit’s growth as a centre of excellence, despite the current space restraints as the unit looks to relocate. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the commemorative lunch and celebrating the incredible work that has been achieved in the 25 years, and to recognise the thousands of patients that have used SATU’s services. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has bought tickets or sponsored a table for our staff.”
Medical Director of SATU, Dr John Coulter said: “The anniversary lunch is a fantastic opportunity to honour the incredible dedication and compassion shown by SATU staff over the past 25 years, while celebrating both current and former staff members who have played such an important role in the service’s development.
“The commemorative lunch will give staff the chance to reconnect, and reflect on how far the hospital and unit has come, and recognise the vital progress achieved over the 25 years. I would also like to sincerely thank all of the doctors, nurses and support staff SATU has had the privilege of working with, and I look forward to celebrating this milestone together and raising awareness for the service as demand continues to rise.”