'Children should learn about consent from pre-school age'

Ellen O'Malley Dunlop said consent education should begin in an age-appropriate way from pre-school age. Picture: iStock

Children should be taught about consent from pre-school age and given the choice on whether they want to hug someone, according to an advocate for victims of sexual violence.

Ellen O'Malley Dunlop said consent education should begin in an age-appropriate way from pre-school age through to second-level.

Ms O'Malley Dunlop is a member of the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Grevio).

She said while she does not want a “heavy curricula input” on the issue, she believes it is important that children are given a choice regarding personal space, such as whether they would like a hug.

She explained that giving young children the choice provides them with modelling at that young age regarding consent and what is appropriate.

'Mind-boggling' events during rape trials 

She also said it is “mind-boggling” that the clothing worn by victims is raised during rape trials. 

It follows a recent case in Limerick where a dress worn by a 15-year-old girl, who was raped by then 18-year-old Patrick Faulkner, of Lower Mallow St, Limerick City at a party in 2020, was produced during the trial. 

The girl was also asked if she was wearing underwear.

Ms O’Malley Dunlop, who served as served as chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre for 10 years, said: “It is mind-boggling — it does not matter what someone was wearing. 

"It is shocking. I cannot believe that in 2026, this kind of carry-on is still happening.” 

She added: “We need to continue raising awareness.” 

Legal status of consent established in 2017 

Ms O'Malley Dunlop also pointed out that under Irish law, consent is not a defence when a victim is 15 years old, as in the Limerick case.

Consent was enshrined in the law in 2017 through the Criminal Law (Sexual Offenses) Act 2017. Children under 17 cannot legally consent to sexual acts.

Under the law, consent can be withdrawn at any time by an individual including during the middle of a sexual act.

It also defines some circumstances under which consent is not possible, including if someone is asleep or unconscious; cannot consent due to the effect of alcohol or some other drug; or if someone is not aware with whom they are actually engaging in a sexual act with.

Ms O'Malley's Dunlop's four-year term on Grevio ends this month. She has served as vice-president of the expert body, which is tasked with monitoring and preventing violence against women and domestic violence across EU member states.

Michelle Walsh, chief executive of Men Overcoming Violence (MOVE), will succeed her on a four-year term after being elected in February to one of five vacant seats on the body. 

Ms Walsh had been approved as Ireland's candidate by justice minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan.