The HSE publishes Sexual Assault Treatment Unit Annual Report for 2025, offering a sobering but important snapshot of how frontline sexual violence support services are being used across Ireland. The latest figures from the Health Service Executive (HSE) show that SATUs provided care to 1,077 people in 2025, underlining the continuing demand for specialist, rapid-response services.
The annual update is significant not only for public health planning, but also for wider coordination across gov.ie, the justice system, and victim support services. SATUs remain a critical part of Ireland’s response to sexual violence, combining urgent medical treatment, forensic examination, and compassionate care in a confidential setting.
HSE publishes Sexual Assault Treatment Unit Annual Report for 2025: key findings
According to the report, SATUs in Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Mullingar, Galway, and Letterkenny were active throughout the year, with some centres recording notably higher demand than in 2024.
- 1,077 people received care from SATUs in 2025
- 87% of patients were seen within three hours of requesting urgent attendance
- 49% of attendees were under the age of 25
- Where gender was recorded, 89% were female, 10% were male, and 1% identified as another gender or none
- Male attendance rose by 2% compared with the previous year
The Rotunda SATU recorded the largest increase in activity, up 12.5%, while Donegal SATU in Letterkenny rose by 11.5%.
Why the data matters
The report highlights how annual service data helps the Health sector and policymakers understand changing patient needs. It also supports coordination with agencies such as An Garda Síochána, victim advocacy groups, and other public services working under the wider remit of Justice and Social Protection.
Professor Maeve Eogan, Clinical Lead for SATU, said the increase in attendance reinforces the need for responsive care and greater public awareness of available services. Her comments point to a broader national need for informed service planning across healthcare and emergency support systems.
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How SATUs support survivors across Ireland
The HSE publishes Sexual Assault Treatment Unit Annual Report for 2025 at a time when trauma-informed healthcare remains a major public concern. SATUs are staffed by multidisciplinary teams, including specially trained doctors, nurses, and midwives. These teams also work with rape crisis services, medical social work professionals, and, where appropriate, An Garda Síochána.
Dr Cliona Murphy of the HSE’s National Woman and Infants Health Programme said SATUs provide a vital immediate point of care, especially for people at moments of acute vulnerability. That includes:
- Immediate medical treatment
- Forensic examination if the patient chooses
- Emotional and practical support
- Connection to follow-up care and justice pathways
This integrated model reflects the importance of joined-up public services, from healthcare to legal processes, and aligns with broader priorities seen across Finance, Public Expenditure, and national service delivery.
Infrastructure and service improvements
The report also notes recent infrastructural developments at Waterford SATU, along with a commitment to enhanced infrastructure at the Rotunda SATU. Continued investment in specialist facilities is likely to remain important for the Department of the Taoiseach, Health, and related state bodies focused on public wellbeing.
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What the 2025 SATU report means
The fact that the HSE publishes Sexual Assault Treatment Unit Annual Report for 2025 with rising attendance figures should prompt continued attention from both healthcare leaders and the public. The findings show strong response times, but also a clear and ongoing need for accessible, specialist support nationwide.
For readers tracking Irish public service developments through gov.ie, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and agencies linked to Justice, this report is a reminder that timely, compassionate care remains essential. The central takeaway is clear: as the HSE publishes Sexual Assault Treatment Unit Annual Report for 2025, Ireland must continue investing in survivor-centred services that are available quickly, safely, and without stigma.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
