You can get medical care after abuse or rape without deciding to report it. A doctor can treat you and record your injuries.
This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.
Who can help
Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATU)
Free care after rape or sexual assault, 24 hours a day: a health check, medicines to prevent infection or pregnancy, and a forensic exam if you want one.
Who it is for People of all genders aged 14 and over who have been raped or sexually assaulted, recently or in the past.
First step Phone your local SATU before you go so they can plan your care. If you have reported to the Gardaí, they will arrange it for you.
Good to know You do not have to report to the Gardaí. Evidence can be stored for up to 1 year while you decide. If you are under 18, staff must tell Tusla.
National 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline
Free, confidential listening and support by phone, day or night, run by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, with webchat, interpreting and a text service for Deaf callers.
Who it is for Anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, harassed or abused at any time in their life, and the people supporting them.
First step Call the freephone helpline at any time, or use the webchat on weekdays (times on their website).
Good to know Calls to the helpline are not recorded.
Local Rape Crisis Centres
Centres around Ireland giving advice and support after sexual violence. Someone from a centre can go with you to a SATU, and some go with you to the Gardaí or court.
Who it is for Anyone who has been sexually assaulted, at any time in their life.
First step Use 'Find a Local Service' on the Rape Crisis Ireland website. Centres can be contacted by phone, email or by dropping in.
Your GP (family doctor)
Your GP can refer you to suitable support services in your area. A GP can also confirm your situation in writing for the Domestic Violence Travel Supplement.
Who it is for Anyone. Domestic violence can happen to women and to men.
First step Make an appointment with your GP and tell them what is happening, if it is safe to.
Safe Pharmacy
Pharmacies showing the Safe Pharmacy logo give you a private room and a phone to call a domestic violence service, the Gardaí or a family member.
Who it is for Anyone experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control.
First step Go to a pharmacy with the Safe Pharmacy logo and ask any staff member to take you to the consultation room.
Ask Askepott
Not sure what fits you? Ask in your own words, or press an example. Nothing you write is stored.
Other topics
- Money to live on in IrelandMoney help in Ireland when you leave an abusive partner: social welfare payments, one-parent support and free money advice.
- A safe place to live in IrelandSomewhere safe to stay in Ireland when you leave abuse: refuges, emergency accommodation from the council and help with housing.
- Free legal help in IrelandFree or low-cost legal help in Ireland when you live with abuse: civil legal aid, free legal advice clinics and information on your rights.
- The Gardaí and court orders in IrelandReporting abuse to the Gardaí in Ireland, safety, protection and barring orders, and support for victims of crime.
- Children, custody and access in IrelandHelp for children and parents in Ireland after abuse: Tusla, legal aid and the family courts.
- Your immigration status if you leave in IrelandIf your permission to stay in Ireland depends on your partner: the immigration guidelines for victims of domestic abuse and where to get advice.
- Help for particular groups in IrelandHelp in Ireland for men, LGBTQ+ people, older people, migrants, Travellers and others, from services that know your situation.