Rape survivors betrayed by Letterkenny lapse

TWENTY five rape survivors treated at a sexual assault unit in Letterkenny feel badly betrayed by the southern Health Service Executive (HSE) as it emerges forensic evidence gathered by a staff member could be thrown out of court because the medical worker was not registered for a period of time with An Bord Altranais (the Nursing Board) due to non-payment of fees.

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) slammed the HSE saying the unregistered nurse carried out forensic exams on rape victims for 18 months in the specialist Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATUs) in Donegal. Her testimony and therefore the forensic evidence may not now be available in any court case.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said: “This is a very bad day for victims of rape and sexual abuse in Ireland.

“We are very concerned for the wellbeing of the victims in these 25 cases, and for the future of child protection in Ireland.

“We know that for survivors of rape the experience of a forensic medical examination can be traumatic. Many victims choose to do it because they do not want this to happen to someone else – they want to prevent anyone else being hurt.

“The reality is that for these 25 rape victims, having made the very difficult decision to have a forensic medical examination, the possibility of their gaining justice has been greatly diminished.”

The HSE said it advised An Gardai Siochana and that it was working closely with them in relation to this matter. All of the individuals affected were contacted last Wednesday. This was done jointly by the Gardai and the HSE.

The HSE said it was extremely conscious of the distress that this will cause for the individuals concerned. Supports and services, including counselling, have been put in place to assist those affected. It has appointed two independent experts to carry out a review into this matter. Rosemary Ryan, Risk Manager at the Irish Public Bodies, has been appointed Chairperson of the investigation team and Mary McCarthy, former Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health, will work with her. Both have many years experience in nursing practice.