Survivor-informed consent campaign going ahead with support from anonymous donors 

• Ground-breaking Consent Campaign to end preventable sexual violence
• Survivor informed ‘consent’ campaign going ahead with support from anonymous donors 
• Donation marks International Women’s Day 

 

Statement from the Community Foundation for Ireland & Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 

A major information, awareness and education campaign around sexual consent to end preventable sexual violence has received a huge boost with support from anonymous donors on International Women’s Day. 

The campaign will engage with civil society groups and a host of other actors to increase understanding of consent right across society, such that over time, nobody believes that any sexual activity without consent is OK. It also aims to ensure frontline advocates are better equipped to communicate and engage with the public on consent. 

Central will be the amplification of survivor’s voices, empowering them to tell their story and to become confident activists, as well as helping to shape and guide the campaign over its duration.

Led by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre the campaign has set ambitious goals, including to halve the number of people who believe sex without consent is OK in the next five years, and to reduce that figure to zero over time. DRCC has set the consent campaign as a key strategic priority for the next five-years, with the aim of changing minds and attitudes to consent in Ireland.

It will build on recent research findings which show that 70% of people in Ireland believe the country has a problem with consent. That research and the new stepped-up awareness campaign have all been made possible by donors to The Community Foundation for Ireland. 

The extra funding of €270,000 will ensure a robust and high-profile response to DRCC’s research, which also shows that 84% of people believe we need age-appropriate sex education in all schools, with 60% saying all society is responsible for consent and that Government action is needed.  

The campaign will engage with civil society groups and a host of other actors to increase understanding of consent right across society, such that over time, nobody believes that any sexual activity without consent is OK. It also aims to ensure frontline advocates are better equipped to communicate and engage with the public on consent. 

A central part of the campaign will be to amplify survivor’s voices, empowering them to tell their story and to become confident activists, as well as helping to shape and guide the campaign over its duration.

Noeline Blackwell, CEO of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said

“With this campaign, DRCC will create a real and lasting legacy. We see every day the consequences of a society ignorant of consent. The trauma of sexual violence is enduring and pervasive – but it is also preventable. We want people to share in our vision of a society that really understands consent in a positive way, that sees the benefit of relationships and sexual encounters based on mutual respect, equality and ongoing, empowering consent.

“Our research tells us people are ready for this change. We believe it will build a culture of zero tolerance for sexual violence in Ireland, preventing future sexual assaults and harassment, ensuring better recognition and understanding for victims/survivors of sexual violence including in their pursuit of justice.

“We are so grateful to the visionary donors who are investing in a safer, more equal Ireland and to the Community Foundation for Ireland for helping us to secure the basis for this important work.” 

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland, added: 

“There has been much reflection on whether the country has reached a tipping point or a key moment on ending domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. In order to truly reach that point then we must recognise that the causes of such violence are complex and multi-layered. 

Consent is part of that complexity. Increasing understanding, awareness and education is vital if we are to ensure that people have a true understanding of the meaning of consent and its importance. We are delighted that on International Women’s Day two of our anonymous donors are coming forward to build on research we have already funded and allowing Dublin Rape Crisis Centre to continue this vital work. 

Our hope is that others, including Government, will join so we have a campaign which reaches and as many people as possible.” 

ENDS 

About Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which aims to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of sexual violence. It offers a suite of services to victims/survivors of sexual violence.  DRCC operates the National Rape Crisis 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country. A suite of information and resources, including for Deaf & migrant survivors of sexual violence, is available at www.drcc.ie  

 

About The Community Foundation for Ireland 

The Community Foundation for Ireland and its partners believe in equality for all in thriving communities. We work with individuals, families, corporates and other trusts and foundations as well as Government to translate giving in the moment to giving that is strategic, sustainable and impactful. We use our skills and knowledge developed over 22-years to help donors turn aspirations into effective investments. 

In 2021 alone we provided over €18 million in grants. At a time of national crisis we have adapted and responded forming new and unique partnerships, including a Covid-19 Emergency Fund, RTÉ Does Comic Relief as well as the Late Late Toy Show Appeal. Together we have given frontline organisations and lifeline services the resources for digital transformation so their vital work can continue through the Pandemic. 

Since our establishment, we have provided in excess of €86m to communities through strategic investments. Our Donors provide leadership and support across areas as diverse as engaging communities on climate action, restorative justice for young people, human rights as well as identifying future priorities, including support for all-island civic society engagement. 

In addition, the issues of climate change, domestic violence, as well as rights for minorities such as travellers, migrants and LGBTI+, still need to be urgently addressed. Brexit and the post-Covid scenario will also present their own challenges. 

We have a dedicated and committed team; they have extensive experience of grant-making from working with over 5,000 non-profit organisations at a national, regional and local level throughout Ireland and overseas. With over 1,800 community foundations globally, the community foundation model is proven and effective model for social change. 

/ENDS