The number of sexual assault victims to attend at Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) across the country during the Covid-19 lockdown reduced by 39% compared to the same period last year. The SATU service provides clinical, forensic and supportive care for those who have experienced sexual violence. Dr Eogan said the lockdown figures emphasise that nightclubs and pubs "are only one piece of the jigsaw of sexual violence". She said, "Even when they were closed, allegations of rape and sexual assault did not disappear and sexual violence continued to happen in other contexts. The report states that 13% were unsure if a sexual assault had occurred, and 10% of assaults were by multiple assailants.

Source: Irish Examiner July 06, 2020 15:56 UTC