Menu
Sexual assault is any sexual act that you did not consent to, or are forced into against your will. This includes rape.
|
Charitable Organizations |
Location | Est. |
Services |
|
Rape Crisis Network Ireland |
Nationwide | 1985 |
The RCNI role includes the development and coordination of national projects including expert data collection, supporting Rape Crisis Centres to reach best practice standards, using our expertise to influence national policy and social change. |
| Rape Crisis Help (RCNI Website) | Nationwide | 1985 |
This provides information about the professional support and the choices available to survivors of sexual violence. You may also want to call, email or drop in to a local service. |
|
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre |
Dublin | 1979 |
Provides telephone support and referral to local services for all adult survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse |
|
Ruhama Women’s Project |
Dublin | 1989 |
Ruhama is a voluntary organisation that works with women involved in prostitution, including those who are victims of sex trafficking and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation. |
|
Sexual Assault Treatment Unit |
Nationwide |
1985 |
They provide specialist care for women and men aged fourteen years and over who have recently been sexually assaulted or raped. |
|
Women’s Health Project |
Dublin | 1991 |
Provides an outreach service for women involved in prostitution |
|
One In Four |
Dublin | 2003 |
Provides support and resources to women and men who have experienced sexual violence |
|
Female Genital Mutilation Treatment Service |
Dublin | 2014 |
Offers Specialised Medical Care and Counselling |
|
The Federation for Victim Assistance |
Dublin | 2005 |
This is a voluntary organisation that offers a range of services designed to assist victims and those that have experienced a traumatic incident, in coping with the effects of crime and trauma. The service is also available to Victims’ family members. |
|
Women’s Aid |
Dublin | 1974 |
Offers advice and practical support for women and children who are being physically, emotionally and sexually abused in their own homes. One on one support, court accompaniment, referrals to local refuges |
|
Rape Crisis Midwest |
Limerick | 1980 |
We work to provide comprehensive information, professional support and a quality counselling service for survivors of sexual abuse and violence throughout the Midwest region. |
|
Rape Crisis North East |
Drogheda | TBC |
We provide a range of intervention supports to survivors of sexual violence |
| Mayo Rape Crisis Centre | Mayo | 1994 |
We provides services such as our helpline, counselling, education services, awareness, support for family and friends |
|
HSE |
Nationwide | 2005 |
Information support in relation to multiple issues including rape and sexual assault. |
Sexual assault is any sexual act that you did not consent to, or are forced into against your will. This includes rape.
If you have been sexually assaulted, it wasn’t your fault. Sexual assault is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens.
Sexual assaults are often carried out by someone known to the victim. This could be a partner, former partner, relative, friend or colleague.
Sexual assault can happen to anyone. You may have no physical injuries or obvious signs after the incident. But sexual assault is a serious crime and you can report it to the Gardaí.
If you need urgent help, call 112 or 999.
Sexual assault is any act of a sexual nature where you have not given consent. Not giving sexual consent means you did not give your permission for something to happen. This can be using direct language (saying ‘no’) or body language.
If you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, you are not able to give consent.
Watch a video that explains sexual consent by comparing it to a cup of tea. Please accept YouTube cookies to view this content.
The age of consent to sexual activity is 17. If you are under the age of 17, you are not legally old enough to consent to a sexual act even if you want to.
Read more about consent and the law.
Rape is when you do not consent and someone:
Sexual assault is when you do not consent and someone:
It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel if you have been sexually assaulted.
After a traumatic (very distressing) experience, it is normal for your mind and body to go into shock. It takes time to get over this shock.
Get help as soon as possible.
Call 112 or 999 in an emergency.
You can also contact your local Garda station in person or by telephone.
If you were sexually assaulted at any time in your life, the Rape Crisis Centre can help.
They offer advice and support on where to go depending on what your situation is.
Freephone: 1800 77 88 88 (24-Hour helpline)
A SATU is a safe place to go if you have been raped or sexually assaulted.
SATUs can help by offering a forensic exam and medical care. You may need help for a possible pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Find out what happens at a SATU.
Someone from the Rape Crisis Centre can come to the SATU to support you throughout the process if you wish.
You may feel more comfortable talking to your GP. They can refer you to the care you need.
Find help at Child and Adolescent Forensic Medical Assessment Services.
You don’t have to report the assault to the Gardaí if you don’t want to. You may need time to think about what has happened to you.
But if you think you want the crime to be investigated, the sooner a forensic exam takes place, the better.
SATUs can store forensic samples for you for up to a year. In this time you can decide if you want to report the assault to the Gardaí or not.
By law, healthcare professionals have to protect children from harm. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted and you’re under 18, it has to be reported to Tusla and the Gardaí. This is to keep you safe and to provide you with support.
Copyright My Support Network © 2025 | Website by Propeller Digital