Approximately 23,000 people contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre helpline every year, but Chief Executive Officer Rachel Morrogh insists this is a "drop in the ocean" when it comes to those who need help.
"We are on a burning platform to eliminate sexual violence," she says, "and it's very sobering to think that this could be achieved if consent was present in every sexual encounter."
We spoke with Morrogh following the publication of research undertaken through the DRCC's We-Consent Campaign - research that provided some incredibly worrying findings.
The online survey, which surveyed a sample of 973 adults in Ireland, found that nearly one in four men under 45 (23%) say they would "probably keep going" even if they suspected their partner isn't enjoying a sexual encounter – a figure that is up 3% since 2024.
According to the survey, young men aged 18 to 24 are the least confident in their understanding of consent, with 16% unsure of what it means.
"I think people are worried that it's complicated," Morrogh says of consent. "We think of it as a transaction or some sort of legal agreement, but that's not what sexual consent looks like. Assuring that there is consent is really straightforward."
"Regular check-ins with your partner can be easily built into sex," she adds. "Rather than ruining the mood, it will almost certainly ensure that everyone has a more enjoyable sexual encounter."
While the updated SPHE curriculum is an essential part of teaching consent to young people, Morrogh insists that these discussions should be happening at home, too.
"Parents have a vital role," she states. "We certainly would encourage parents to get in touch with us if they want to know more about talking to a child or teenager about consent because it is a very important conversation."
Resources and support are available on the DRCC website, but, in the meantime, Morrogh lists some simple phrases that can be used practically when it comes to consent:
"We have phrases that people can use, like asking permission before you change the type or degree of sexual activity with phrases like 'Is this OK?', 'Tell me what you like', 'Does this feel good?', and then continue periodically checking in with your partner, such as asking, 'Is this still OK?'.
As well as checking in on your partner, Morrogh reminds people to check in with themselves during a sexual encounter by taking note of how you're feeling, if you're comfortable, or if you're putting pressure on yourself.
"We also need to be open to understanding when somebody is not giving their consent," she adds, noting that partners should be mindful of both verbal and non-verbal signs such as the person freezing up, going quiet, crying, not responding, or if they're feeling pressured or are incapacitated.
Reflecting on the results of the survey, Morrogh says that as well as being a resource for those in need, the DRCC is determined to educate and change attitudes in society.
"I worry that some people believe that a certain level of sexual violence, and more generally harm against women, is inevitable or unavoidable, but this is an attitude we need to change," she says.
"That's why Dublin Rape Crisis Centre regularly raises awareness of harmful attitudes, victim-blaming and rape myths, because these derail the progress and lead to real-life consequences and behaviours.
"It’s important not to frame the concept of prevention around what the victim did or didn’t do - responsibility for all forms of sexual violence lies with the perpetrator."
The We-Consent research found that one in 10 men agree that "willingness can be assumed because there is no clear objection", while 27% agree that "sometimes people say no when they want convincing" - 43% of men under 45 hold this belief, which is up 8% since January 2024.
"I think that we need to question why young men hold these views, but also acknowledge that they are perpetuated and amplified because of the lack of comprehensive regulation of commercial forces that give these negative views a place to fester and grow."
"All of us in society have a role in turning things around," she adds, "whether that's having a friend or family member to call out negative behaviours, negative attitudes. I think that's something we can all do."
If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit: www.rte.ie/helplines.
