Supporting yourself

 

If you have just been assaulted

  • Try to get to a safe place and seek support from someone who can help you now.

  • If you are injured, seek medical attention – call 999 or 112.

  • Call or text us

    • Freephone: 1800 296 296

    • Text Us: 087 2233730

  • Call the National 24 Hour Freephone Helpline at 1800 778888 for support and information on options.

Other things you can do after an assault

  • If you want to report the assault, call the Gardaí at Waterford Garda Station, Patrick Street, Waterford, Co Waterford, X91 A076

    Call: +35351305300

    Email this Garda Station

    Alternatively, find your local station or call 999 or 112 for more. The Gardaí will also arrange transport to the nearest Sexual Assault Treatment Unit to get you medical attention and collect forensic evidence.

  • For medical attention, your local Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) provides specialist treatment and information. You can find your local SATU as well as information on what to expect on our local supports page or visit the HSE's SATU information page.

  • SATU services can be accessed via An Garda Síochána, or by contacting the SATU nearest you directly.

  • Waterford SATU is located at University Hospital Waterford.

    Contact: 051 842 157 weekdays from 8am to 5pm.

    051 848 000 after 5pm and weekends, ask for SATU.

  • There is no charge for any of the SATU services or follow up appointments.

  • If you are outside Waterford, you can find out about Rape Crisis Services and other local supports near you.

If you are on a waitlist for an appointment

There are on-demand online resources you can access right now that we think can help.

Domestic and family violence can include: physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual violence, psychological abuse, financial abuse and threatening harm to your loved ones, children and pets. This video talks through options for making a plan to look after yourself.

Our aim is to offer help and support to anyone who has experienced sexual violence of any kind. This may have been recent, in the past or in childhood.

We take calls from people of all genders, ethnic groups and orientations. Family, friends or other concerned persons are welcome to seek support from our telephone counsellors via the National 24-hour Helpline.  General queries from the public in relation to sexual violence are also welcome.

Here in the Waterford Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre we acknowledge it takes courage to contact the Centre for the first time and we assure you that if you get in touch with us, you will be treated with dignity and respect.

Perhaps in visiting this website you are taking a first step on your journey towards healing and we encourage you to take your next step and contact us.