Consent Matters

St. Angela’s College, St. Patrick’s Hill, Co. Cork, 2017

Consent Matters
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CATEGORY: Relationships & Sexual Health Challenge

The Idea

They Consent Matters team felt that young people need to be educated so that they are informed when making decisions around safety and sexual health. They consulted with the Sexual Violence Centre, their local Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, An Garda Síochána, politicians and young people to improve their understanding of consent.

The Action

They invited students from schools in their local community to ‘Tea Parties’; events where the offering of tea was used as a metaphor for consent, and where experts gave talks on the issue. A survey was taken by attendees before and after the sessions. The results were overwhelming positive, with the vast number of participants stating that they knew more about consent following the sessions.

The Impact

The team want to see consent classes introduced in schools. They contacted politicians and met with An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny. Working with journalists, they gained extensive coverage in local media. They continued to develop a number of exciting initiatives, including the development of a text helpline for the Sexual Violence Centre, which will allow users to contact the centre via text message. They have educated hundreds of young people about this important social issue.

We think the best way to go about clarifying the meaning of consent is by educating teenagers and giving them correct information, so that they are informed when making decisions.

Team Member
Award Winner
2017 Relationships & Sexual Health
Challenge supported by
Relationships & Sexual Health Challenge