Minister for Justice launches major consent education project in Waterford
The launch of the Consent Matters project in Waterford. Picture by Noel Browne.
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has launched the Consent Matters project in Waterford.
The project is a collaboration between Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP) and South East Technological University (SETU).
Speaking at the launch of the project in Waterford’s Medieval Museum, Minister Callaghan said the government is committed to rolling out consent workshops across the country.
“To create safe communities, we must work together in partnership. It is only by working collaboratively that important, impactful initiatives such as the Consent Matters project come to fruition,” said Minister Callaghan.
The Consent Matters project was funded by the Community Safety Funding (CSF) programme, which redirects proceeds of crime into projects to support communities.
In 2023, Waterford Local Community Safety Project with SETU applied for Community Safety Funding (CSF), in response to issues raised from the communities across the county, in relation to increasing sexual assaults and domestic violence issues.
The application supported by Garda statistics was successful in funding of €150,000 by the Department of Justice Community CSF.
“The Community Safety Fund, now in its fourth year, continues to reinvest money seized from criminal networks to enhance public safety, wellbeing and opportunity in communities across the country,” said Minister Callaghan.
Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. John Pratt welcomed the Minister and said these projects were vital for young people finding their way in the world.
“As Deputy Mayor, I take pride in the fact that Waterford City and County Council and SETU are stepping forward and taking the lead on this. We want our young people to grow up in an environment where respect is expected, where safety is assured, and where their voices are heard,” said Deputy Mayor Pratt.
The aim of Consent Matters is to raise awareness, educate key target community groups across Waterford and to create a safe, respectful, positive and supportive culture in the community, whilst attempting to reduce assaults.
It draws upon the research, experience and training already established in SETU, combined with the statutory and community experiences of WLCSP Partners, including the Purple Flag Initiative.
Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said the launch marked a milestone in the collaboration of research and action.
“Rooted in the belief that meaningful and lasting change requires working together, the initiative draws educators, statutory bodies, community groups, and local stakeholders together to raise awareness, educate and foster a safe, respectful, and supportive consent culture across Waterford and the south east region.
“This project builds on SETU’s research and training expertise and also incorporates the statutory and community expertise of the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership and Purple Flag partners.
“Crucially, this is not a one-size-fits-all programme. We all have a part to play in tackling sexual violence and harassment in our communities, and I am proud that SETU, along with Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership, are rising to that challenge,” said Prof. Campbell.
