New research suggests public understanding of sexual consent is improving.
We-Consent and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre have carried out a study in relation to consent.
The new research shows 47% of people report a better understanding of consent now, compared to 12 months ago.
76% of those surveyed in consent workshops agreed with this statement:
“Everyone has the right to change their mind at any point during a sexual encounter, no matter how far it’s gone”.
However, 1 in 5 men surveyed under 45 agreed with the statement:
"I'd probably keep going even if I suspect my partner is not enjoying a sexual encounter".
Sarah Monaghan, Project Manger with We-Consent, says asking for consent won't kill the mood:
"We would really ask people to consider regular check ins, they so easily be built into sex."
Meanwhile, one-in-five said they believe that people say ‘No’ to sex when they want to be convinced and the same number said they think sex can lack full consent without being rape.
Dr. Caroline West, Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manger in UCC, says many people are in denial:
"I think people know that that's not consent, and there's something in that person that's making them keep going.
"They just only care about their own gratification."
The ‘We-Consent’ campaign has now been running for a full year and will continue for the next two years at a minimum.
