Sexual assault survivors in mid-west must report to gardaí or travel to Cork or Galway for specialist care (independent.ie)

• Mid-west region lacks a dedicated Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU)
• Survivors must report to Gardaí or travel to Cork/Galway for care
• TD calls for removal of police report requirement and new SATU

"Survivors of sexual violence in Ireland's mid-west region face a significant barrier to accessing specialised medical and forensic care, according to a local TD. They are currently required to either report the assault to the Gardaí or travel to Cork or Galway to attend a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU). The TD described the process as 'unacceptable', highlighting that it discourages victims from seeking help and creates a postcode lottery for services. Calls have been made for the establishment of a SATU in the region to ensure equitable access to care without the precondition of a police report."