Nurses trained to examine rape victims graduate
The first group of specialist nurses qualified to forensically examine victims of rape graduated today.
The eight nurses trained alongside clinical professionals and state agencies for the higher diploma from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).
With just one in 10 people reporting sexual abuse and violence, campaigners hope the added support will result in more victims coming forward.
Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), said to be a victim of a rape or a sexual attack is in itself one of the most brutal and traumatic experiences anyone can ever have.
“To have to travel to be examined further adds to the trauma,” she said.
“For far too long we have been listening to horrendous stories of people having to travel long distances to sexual assault treatment units because there was no unit close to them.
“We hope that the deterrent of having to make long journeys to sexual assault treatment unit services will be lowered with the addition of the Mullingar unit and the addition of eight forensic nurses to the other teams working around the country.”
The qualification was developed after recommendations from the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women on Sexual Assault Treatment Services.
Students spent time at sexual assault units at the Rotunda Hospital and in the UK, the State Forensic Science Laboratory, the law courts, with gardaí, and had work placements in a range of clinical services.
The cohort were presented with Higher Diplomas in Nursing Sexual Assault Forensic Examination by Health Minister Mary Harney.
“This is an important achievement for the students and those that have successfully developed and implemented the programme in RCSI,” said Ms Harney.
“This group of specialist nurses will provide the important services and holistic care that victims of sexual assault require.”
Professor Seamus Cowman, RCSI’s head of nursing, said there is a deficiency in providing appropriate and professional services to victims of sexual assault.
“Nurses and midwives, in providing services to victims of sexual assault and as professional witnesses in law courts, will bring a much needed new and dedicated professional nursing perspective to this important area of health services activity,” he added.
