Abuse charity 'surprised' by woman's Gardaí ordeal

Waterford Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (WRSAC) has expressed 'surprise' over the recent story regarding a woman's experience with the Gardaí in the aftermath of her sexual assault. 

In March 2023, Waterford woman Sabrina Halligan was attacked by a man on Poleberry walkway in Waterford City. 

During the attack she lost consciousness and sustained injuries to her neck, face and body. 

Gardaí brought her back to her home, and she later attended the SATU (Sexual Assault Treatment Unit) at UHW, where a rape kit was prepared. 

On May 6, 2024, Sabrina was told by Gardaí that the Director of Public Prosecutions would not be going forward with her case. 

Sabrina told the Waterford News and Star about her ordeal in trying to gather information into why her case was dropped by the DPP, and the results of her rape kit. 

Manager at WRSAC Anne Scully told WNS that it was 'very surprising' that Gardaí were not forthcoming with information, and that a person would be entitled to be given information into the decision. 

Anne said: "Our experience of the Gardaí has been a positive one, but for anyone, that's a very, very bitter pill to swallow."