Consent & Sexual Violence Prevention Programme

Wexford Rape Crisis has long engaged in prevention and awareness work across both formal and non-formal sectors, including the 2015 countywide research “Young Wexford People Talking about Sex.” In 2017, we became part of the EU-funded Manuela Programme, which was an evidence-informed sexual violence prevention initiative. The programme produced a toolkit for educators to help 15–17 year olds critically explore healthy relationships, boundaries, consent and sexual violence prevention. Its goal was to challenge attitudes and build knowledge and skills to reduce sexual violence in Ireland. Delivered across Dublin, Galway, Kerry and Wexford, by four part-time facilitators, the programme was independently evaluated, with findings published in October 2020. As the pilot ended, strong interest emerged in continuing or expanding the initiative.

2020-2021, saw the provision of this part-time initiative, in response to the success of the Manuela Programme and the interest from community when it was completed. Positioned from a prevention and strengths-based approach, fostering dialogue on consent, sexual violence and related topics, it was primarily aimed for Transition Year and senior cycle students. It was flexible in delivery, offered tailored workshops for schools, organisations and Junior Cycle classes.

Since 2021, Wexford Rape Crisis has been an avid supporter of the Consent Ed Project, a sexual violence prevention resource for young people in Ireland, rooted in the belief that ending sexual violence requires cultural change through education the earlier the better. The strategic partnerships are Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Cuan under the ‘Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence’. Consent Ed creates learning materials for educators to promote consent, healthy relationship and a society free from the spectrum of sexual violence.

Using interactive, experiential learning, Consent Ed challenges harmful attitudes, builds knowledge and strengthens skills on consent. With tailored programmes for junior and senior cycle students, it also empowers teachers and youth workers to foster supportive environments. Ultimately, Consent Ed supports young people’s personal and social development, building confidence and critical thinking. Consent Ed trains and upskills educators, youth workers, trainee teachers and other professionals, drawing directly from classroom experience, being young people centered, and educator focussed, helping to shape development. Since 2023, the programme has expanded beyond schools into youth services, youth clubs and youth cafés.