Forensic Accompaniment

A.S.S.C. offers onsite forensic accompaniment to young people and their families who attend the Child & Adolescent Sexual Assault Treatment Service (CASATS) forensic unit in Barnahus Galway and the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU), Dublin. We aim to provide emotional and practical support during this challenging time, in an age-appropriate manner. We work with the Barnahaus West​ in Galway, and the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) in the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin. A.S.S.C.’s volunteers also provide advocacy, support and assistance over the phone post forensic and/or medical aftercare. This is provided to the non-offending adult.

Barnahus West is an interagency service supporting children, young people and their families who have experienced child sexual abuse. At Barnahus, we want to make sure that children and young people receive the right help and support by coordinating and providing all the services needed under one roof. We bring together Tusla, the HSE, and the Garda Síochana, the agencies responsible for child protection. By responding in this way, the services can gather the best evidence, help prevent any further trauma to the child by limiting the amount of times they have to tell professionals what has happened to them and to provide the support children and families need to ensure overall better outcomes.

Barnahus West is the only dedicated unit in Ireland to provide a 24-hour service for young people from ages 0-18, who have experienced or been harmed following sexual violence by providing an integrated forensic medical service for children and their families. This service addresses the forensic needs of children for the purposes of well being, investigation and recovery. The service is provided to children who are victims of rape, sexual assault or suspected sexual abuse following either recent or historical abuse.

Our service in Barnahus (Galway) West

A.S.S.C. provides onsite volunteers to support young people and their families whilst they attend Barnahaus West. This service is provided by a 24-hour rota throughout the whole year.
During the family’s time at Barnahaus West, they can avail of an A.S.S.C. volunteer who can answer any questions and provide them with emotional support.

SATU provides an integrated forensic medical service in Rotunda for adults, who have been harmed by sexual violence. SATU also provides the service to a small age cohort of young people. The age range is 14-15 This service addresses the forensic needs of children, who are victims of rape, sexual assault, or suspected child sexual abuse, for either recent or historical abuse. A.S.S.C. provides accompaniment support for these young people and their families.

Our service in the Dublin Rotunda SATU

A.S.S.C. provides onsite volunteers to support young people and their families whilst they attend the unit. This service is provided by a 24-hour rota throughout the whole year.
During the family’s time at the unit, they can avail of an A.S.S.C. volunteer who can answer any questions and provide them with emotional support.