12% rise is demand for sexual assault treatment unit in 2025

The Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) has published its 2025 Report, highlighting a significant rise in demand for services at the Rotunda Hospital’s SATU, with 443 people accessing care during the year, an increase of more than 12% compared to 2024. 

The data shows that in 2025 there was an increase in incidents involving multiple assailants,
this statistic worryingly continues to rise year on year.

87% of assaults (935 cases) were perpetrated by a single assailant while, 11% of assaults (115 cases) involved multiple assailants.

There were 40 female assailants reported in 2025, which is an increase from the previous year.
In 2025, the perpetrator was described as a stranger in 31% (397) of cases.

There was an increase in ex-intimate partner incidents up 2% to 7% (85 cases) in 2025.

In 2025 there were a total of 1,077 attendances to the six SATUs across the country in places like Letterkenny and Mullingar. This is an increase of 5.5% (56) on the previous year.

The mean age of attendees was 29 years.

89% of attendees were female, however 10% (111) were male, a 2% increase in male attendees.

The proportion of school children or third level students was similar to the previous year at 29%.

31% of incidents (280) occurred in Dublin, and 13% (113) in Cork. Most of these took place indoors, in either the victim or assailants home.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the service offers medical care, forensic examination, evidence storage, and access to psychological support.

The report shows that the 18-25 age group remained the largest cohort attending the Dublin services, accounting for one third of all patients. Almost two-thirds of patients attended the unit within 72 hours of the incident, for access to forensic examinations, medical treatment and psychological support.

The Dublin SATU was able to offer 78% of patients who requested urgent assistance care within 3 hours of the request. The report states that efforts are being made to strengthen staffing and expand facilities to ensure the service can continue to meet demand.

Prof. Maeve Eogan, Clinical Lead at The Rotunda SATU, said:  “The increase in attendances at the Rotunda SATU reflects the continued need for specialist, trauma-informed services for people who have experienced sexual violence. Every person who comes through our doors deserves compassionate, expert care in a safe and supportive environment."

Care is provided regardless of whether individuals choose to report to An Garda Síochána. Rotunda SATU works closely with specialist support services to ensure a holistic response to sexual violence. The service is part of the SATU network, comprising six units nationwide.