What Happens Next?
It can be hard to know where to turn to for trusted support and information after experiencing sexual abuse or sexual misconduct in healthcare services. Navigating the reporting of crimes to the Gardai and the subsequent legal and court processes can be daunting and confusing.
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Dignity4Patients, recommends seeking support first and foremost to discuss your needs.
STEP 1 - Contact Us
Contact us via our Helpline
041-9843730, by Text 086 165 4111 or
Email support@dignity4pateints.org.
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We can be contacted by Telephone, Email, Text or our Online Form. This is to ensure that our services are the right fit for you and to listen, help, support and assist you, if not, we can provide a referral to the correct support services for you. Please note that we will never ask for personal details until you are fully comfortable providing them to us.
STEP 2 - Meet Us
We often recommend a face-to-face appointment in the first instance.
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After an initial conversation via our helpline services, we recommend a face-to-face appointment with our advocacy team. This is to document the details of the alleged complaint, complete any necessary paperwork and provide you with a care plan to support you in dealing with the trauma of patient sexual abuse to ensure you are fully supported mentally, emotionally, and physically as required.
STEP 3 - Records
We support to obtain any counselling, suicide prevention or medical records you require.
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Once we have a full understanding of your needs, we will assist you with referrals to appropriate support organisations such as counselling and suicide prevention. We can also assist you with obtaining Medical Notes, Charts and Records relating to your healthcare at the time of abuse.
STEP 4 - Report
We support you and accompany you through engagement with reporting the crime.
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When you feel you are able to do so, we will assist you with the reporting of the crime. to any Healthcare Management Team, An Garda Siochana, Irish Medical Council, Nursing & Midwifery Board, HIQA and other organisations that can assist you in seeking justice and investigating the perpetrator.
STEP 5 - Accompaniment
We support you through any legal or court hearing process that are required.
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At any time, if reporting the crime or dealing with your complaints becomes too much, we provide an Accompaniment Service, where a dedicated and professional team member will accompany you to any hearings, appointments, or court cases at your request and with your consent.
STEP 6 - Advocacy
We provide ongoing support, information, and advocacy when you feel the need for it.
Obtaining justice for you for the crimes committed against you can be a long and difficult process. We will continue to provide support, advocacy, and information at every turn throughout your criminal or civil justice pathways. Our key aim is to restore your dignity and to ensure your voice is heard no matter the time it takes. This support can also be provided to your family, next of kin, or your chosen support person, as long as you need it.