Mary Harney TD, Minister for Health & Children yesterday (April 19^th 2010) launched the 2009 Annual Report of the National Sexual Assault Treatment Units.Currently there are 6 Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) located around the country located at The Rotunda Hospital (Dublin), South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (Cork), Waterford Regional Hospital, Midlands Hospital (Mullingar), Galway and Letterkenny.

Click to view Annual Report 2009

This strategy is a statement of Government priority actions to address domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland in the five-year period from early 2010 to the end of 2014. The Government is concerned at the consistent prevalence and the high level of non-disclosure or non-reporting of incidences of domestic, sexual and genderbased violence. The strategy sets out a plan for ‘whole-of-government’ action for a more effective system to prevent these types of violence. Six government departments, their agencies and up to 100 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are involved in work relevant to the prevention and alleviation of abuse. The strategy aims to provide a strong framework for sustainable intervention to prevent and effectively respond to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Click here to get the full report

The Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has emphasised the importance of combining professionalism with sensitivity and compassion in the investigation of sexual crimes.

In a statement to announce the publication on the Garda website (www.garda.ie) of An Garda Síochána’s policy on the investigation of sexual crime, crimes against children and child welfare, the Commissioner said:

“It is the duty of the Gardaí to investigate fully all incidents of sexual crime and child abuse reported to them. These cases require special care and attention because of the often vulnerable circumstances in which victims find themselves. The positive and compassionate attitude of members of the Garda Síochána towards victims of such crimes is vital to ensuring that any investigation is brought to a successful conclusion for the complainant. That is a key aspect of this document.

In making our policy available to members of the public, our objective is to ensure maximum confidence in our investigation methods, our skills and resources for dealing with these difficult crimes. The policy draws together all existing directives and guidance on the investigation of sexual crime and crimes against children and is also informed by a number of recent reports and studies on this area including the Ryan Commission to inquire into Child Abuse, the Murphy Commission of Investigation into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin, a report on the experience of victims of rape and sexual assault recently commissioned by the Rape Crisis Network.”

He continued:

“While An Garda Síochána has significant expertise and experience in the investigation of sexual offences and crimes against children, we can only deploy those skills and resources when we are made aware of the need for them. We would urge on all individuals and organisations with responsibility for children the importance of being alert to signs of abuse. Where abuse is identified or suspected, people must report it to An Garda Síochána to enable us to take the necessary steps to protect and vindicate the rights of victims.”

1.   This policy is the work of a group chaired by the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations Martin Callinan which reviewed work practices and methodologies for the investigation of sexual abuse cases. The group included key individuals within the organisation including Detective Superintendent John McCann, head of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit (DVSAIU) and other experienced investigators of all ranks within An Garda Síochána.

2.   The new Sexual Crime Management Unit will be headed by an experienced Detective Inspector, will be adequately resourced and will report to the Detective Superintendent in the DVSAIU within the overall National Support Services framework.

To read the full policy document please click here.
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