Consent: It's time to get everyone on the same page

The issue is being highlighted during The Sexual Health Week in Northern Ireland

The issue of consent has been pushed to the forefront of public discussion over the past year - not just in Northern Ireland, but around the world.

It follows numerous high-profile incidents of sexual assault and the development of the #MeToo movement.

But it seems young people are still unwilling to speak openly about the issue.

Our reporter Sasha Wylie went down to Queens University to find out from young people what they knew about the issue of consent - but no-one was willing to openly talk about the issue.

What this recent dialogue has revealed, however, is that there are conflicting understandings of consent and what constitutes sexual assault or rape.

The issue is being highlighted this week to mark Sexual Health Week in Northern Ireland (11th-15th Feb).

Nexus NI have released a video to mark the event:

Queens University is also trying to highlight the issue to students, by running a number of consent workshops.

Welfare Officer Sinead Henry says it's something many people don't fully understand.

"People don’t realise after they have a couple of drinks that they can blame themselves for being in that position – but it’s not and never will be their fault and that’s what we want to highlight to students.

Sinead Henry

"Assaults here are right across the board from groping in a nightclub to sexual assault and rape.

"We want all students to know that it’s not ok and they are not alone. We just need victims to come forward so we can give them the help and support they need."

Sinead also spoke about their new app, Report and Support, which was launched last month.

It lets students who have been victim of sexual assaults to report it anonymously.

She said: " There's already been a number of reports made to the service, which for us is great, but even better for the victims because it means they are now getting the help and support they need."

And you can find more about the Report and Support service by clicking the link below:

https://reportandsupport.qub.ac.uk/