“Sexual violence and harassment are still prevalent issues in today’s world. Consent is ongoing, mutual, and freely given – this is the core message of the NUIG Active Consent programme.”
This is the message from the NUI Galway Students’ Union vice-president/welfare and equality officer Cora Clarke, as today marks the start of the first NUIG SU Consent Week, which runs until Friday. The week will see a series of events looking at key issues impacting on the sexual health and wellbeing of students including consent, image based sexual abuse, period poverty and STI awareness.
The workshop on image based sexual abuse will explore what revenge porn is, why it needs to be renamed, legislation, and how to support victims emotionally and practically. Active Consent workshops will also provide a safe space to explore the nuances of sexual intimacy and consent. The workshops are interactive, informative, based on understandings of the context in which young people are exploring their sexuality now, and share practical skills relevant for their own relationships.
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“We hope that our Consent Week events will encourage students to take a responsible attitude to sexual health and healthy relationships,” said SU president, Róisín NicLochlainn. “We still have a long way to go in Irish society in terms of breaking down the taboo of talking about sex. We want our students to be educated about their sexual rights.”
For more information on the Active Consent programme see www.consenthub.ie, which provides a range of resources and tools for young people, parents, student leaders, and educators to raise awareness and knowledge on sexual consent. See also www.su.nuigalway.ie
