Many victims and survivors of Sexual Abuse or Sexual Misconduct are confused about their treatment or examinations when accessing health care in any medical, therapeutic or psychiatric setting. Talking through your experience with our trained and qualified staff can alleviate some of the confusion and anxiety. Our aim is to help you address your concerns in a constructive manner and outline all support options available for you (e.g., information, support with engaging with Gardai, making a statement, reporting the abuse to the hospital or care home, reporting to the Medical Council, obtaining counselling services).

We are a victim-centred organisation, and our services are designed to help health care users understand what has happened to them. To provide a safe place to talk and access support and information. Our aim is to assist victims and survivors and their families on a path to dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse in health care settings and helping them to seek justice and enhance their empowerment in that process.

Dignity4Patients aims to provide Support, Advocacy & Information services to patients who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse or other sexual misconduct when accessing healthcare provision in Ireland. We put you the victim first and will support you in dealing with the experience you had and supporting you in reporting it to the relevant authorities. Reporting the crime helps seek restorative justice for you and stops further harm to others.

At Dignity4Patients we understand that talking about your experience is sensitive and traumatising. As such any contact with our organisation, whether by phone, in person or at one of our support meetings is in total confidence. We are committed to protecting you and your information and data. No information about you will be shared with others without your explicit consent first.

Contact with Dignity4Patients as easy, you can contact our helpline service by Phone: 041 984 3730, Text to: 086-1654111, or Email us at: support@dignity4patients.org. This can be completed anonymously at first if you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Following the initial contact all victims and survivors are encouraged to attend an in-person appointment with our staff to discuss your options and complete any necessary paperwork. If you cannot come to us, we will try and arrange a way to meet with you.

Reporting an allegation of Sexual Abuse or Sexual Misconduct can be a daunting experience. To assist you, we can support you in reporting what has happened, or can report the incident to certain authorities on your behalf. Also if requested, we an accompany you to any reporting settings such as making a Garda Statement, attending a Complaints Hearing or supporting you as a witness in Court.

To find a therapist or counsellor experienced in working with survivors of sexual abuse, we recommend referring to our Patient Resource section where you can find our recommendations support services.

HELPLINE: 041 – 9843730 SMS TEXT: 086 – 1654111 EMAIL: support@dignity4patients.org

MONDAY to THURSDAY

10am - 4pm

OUT OF HOURS

1800 778 888

If you have experienced sexual abuse by a doctor or healthcare professional, you have legal options to report the abuse. You can file a complaint with the appropriate licensing board, file a police report, seek legal advice or reach out to organisations like Dignity4Patients that provide support and guidance for survivors of healthcare-related abuse.

Supporting a friend or loved one who has experienced sexual abuse by a healthcare practitioner is crucial. Listen to them without judgment, encourage them to seek professional help from therapists or support organisations such as Dignity4Patients, respect their decisions regarding legal action, and provide emotional support throughout their healing process.

As a patient, you have rights regarding your care by a healthcare practitioner. These include the right to receive respectful and compassionate treatment, the right to informed consent and participation in your treatment decisions, the right to privacy and confidentiality, the right to access your medical records, and the right to report any concerns or file complaints about your care.