RCNI Press Release 13 November 2006

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI), would like to congratulate the teenagers who represented their peers in the consultation on the age of consent and related issues, for allowing us to hear the voice of teenagers in our society. The Minister for Children, Brian Lenihan is to be congratulated for his foresight.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director said, ‘it is invaluable to finally have the voices of teenagers themselves cut through the assumptions, fears and dangerous myths that have built up about teenagers lives and attitudes in Ireland of late. Teenagers, in this report, show themselves to be thoughtful, assertive and considerate in their opinions on the age of consent and its practice and implications.

The issue of most importance to teenagers was the need for more information and to deliver that in schools, in a consistent, accessible and professional manner. Our teens are demanding to be informed, protected and empowered around their own sexuality. The State should support them in doing so by getting serious about delivering a consistent, compulsory and meaningful level of sex education in our schools whatever any vested interest says to the contrary. Our teenagers and children deserve no less.’

In Agenda for Justice II: Delivering on the Promise of Child Protection the RCNI recommended the following:
• To render teenagers empowered to make truly consensual choices it is imperative we divert resources into education programmes which seek to prevent the sexual exploitation of young people whilst not stifling appropriate exploration of their sexuality. 
• Put in place a public awareness campaign to ensure general knowledge within the population of the new age of consent and obligations, protections and responsibilities concerning same. 
• Make modules protecting children from child abuse and empowering them in knowing and asserting their bodily integrity, and respecting others’, compulsory in our schools.

Notes:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
• Agenda for Justice II: Delivering on the Promise of Child Protection, the RCNI’s submission to the Joint Committee on Child Protection is available in full on www.rcni.ie/public.htm
• The report on the outcome of consultations with teenagers on the issues to be considered when examining the age of consent for sexual activity is available on www.omc.gov.ie

For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
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