Initiative to tackle sexual violence and harassment launched in Waterford

An initiative on consent that aims to tackle sexual violence and harassment has been launched in Waterford. 

The 'Consent Matters' project, launched by Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, hopes to create a safe, respectful, and positive culture of consent across the county.

It will involve a number of stakeholders throughout Waterford with the combined goal of raising awareness, educating key target groups, and creating a supportive culture. 

Most importantly, it aims to reduce the number of assaults happening in the county. 

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The Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP) and South East Technological University (SETU) are among the groups taking part in the initiative. 

It has taken research, experiences, and training already established in SETU and combined it with the experiences from the WLCSP, including the Purple Flag Initiative. 

Purple Flag is an accreditation recognising Waterford for being a safe, welcoming, and friendly destination to socialise, live and work in.

Today’s launch marks the countywide roll out of the educational phase of the 'Consent Matters' Project by the collaborative partners.

Funding of €150,000 has been secured for this project. 

“As part of our zero tolerance approach to domestic, sexual and gender based violence the government is committed to supporting the rollout of active consent workshops across the country. Education of this type is vital in promoting a safer society," Minister Jim O’Callaghan said.

“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,” he added.