Domestic Violence
- The Rape Crisis Centre (24-hour confidential helpline) Freephone: 1800 77 88 88
- Ireland has six Sexual Assault Treatment Units around the country – they can help you if you have been raped or sexually assaulted. They work 24/7 365 days a year. Find your nearest Sexual Assault Treatment Unit
Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) takes many forms and can affect anyone, whatever their age, educational background, culture, gender, or sexual orientation.
The HSE Policy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (2010) aims to put in place an integrated and coordinated health sector response to domestic violence and sexual violence.
Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
The central aim of the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2022-2026 is Zero Tolerance of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in our society.
An implementation plan (PDF), has been approved by the government for the first 18 months of the Strategy, with annual action plans to follow for every subsequent year of the lifetime of the Zero Tolerance strategy.
Under the Strategy, the National Social Inclusion Office is working on a HSE National DSGBV Training Programme of 4 e-learning modules. The first Module – DSGBV Awareness is now available on HSELanD. More information about training is available here.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) Training
We are developing a DSGBV National Training Strategy to support frontline HSE staff and staff from funded agencies gain knowledge about DSGBV, recognise, respond and refer victims. The first module – Awareness – is now available on HSELanD. Modules on Recognise, Respond and Refer will be available in 2024
This is in line with a number of HSE obligations under the cross-government Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2022-2026 and its implementation plan.
Additional training resources can be found on the National Social Inclusion Office YouTube channel.
- Working With Interpreters Training (facilitated by Millay Vann) – April 2024
- FGM training for Social Inclusion Staff (facilitated by AkiDwA and IFPA) – March 2024
- Working sensitively with migrants who have experienced trauma including sexual violence (facilitated by Dr Sarah Heke) – December 2023
Documents
Female genital mutilation: Information for health-care professionals working in Ireland 3rd edition
Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2019-2024
National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020: creating a better society for all
HSE Sexual Health Services
The HSE Anti Human Trafficking Team have the brief of care planning for victims of trafficking under the statutory national action plan. Persons can be trafficked for sexual, labour and forced crime reasons
A Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) is a safe place to go if you have been raped or sexually assaulted.
Resources for Domestic Violence
- Safe Pharmacy initiative
- National Guidelines on Referral and Forensic Clinical Examination Following Rape and Sexual Assault (Ireland). 5th Edition 2023
- Services, supports and reports
- Stop Domestic Violence posters in various languages