Sexual assault patients could have more time to keep biological evidence

It is planned that biological evidence could be kept for up to a year.

BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FROM sexual assault patients could be kept for up to a year under new plans.

The Medical Independent reports that Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) plan to allow patients the option of preserving biological evidence for a year.

It says that this will give patients extra time if they are unsure whether they want to press charges.

Guidelines will be launched later this month on the service.

However, the Medical Independent says that at present, none of the six SATUs in Ireland have the facilities to hold biological evidence for one year.

It was informed that it is hoped the service can be offered from January 2015.

Read the full story in the Medical Independent.

Read: Britain considers women-only train carriages to tackle sexual assaults>

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