46% of men believe accusations of non-consensual sex are “often made up”
That’s according to a recent study conducted by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) as part of its We-Consent campaign.
The stats have uncovered a significant disparity in how men and women perceive sexual consent.
It had responses from 923 participants and shows persistent misconceptions and some seriously troubling attitudes toward consent in Ireland.
The findings reveal that 46% of men believe accusations of non-consensual sex are “often made up,” compared to 27% of women.
As well as this, 25% of men and 14% of women expressed uncertainty about whether non-consensual sex is as widespread as it is portrayed.
The survey also found concerning attitudes among younger men; nearly a third (29%) of men aged 18-24 believe that once consent is given, it “can’t really” be withdrawn.
Whereas, the vast majority of adults (92%) agreed that consent can be withdrawn at any time during a sexual encounter.
Over half (55%) of adults who are dating expressed fears that a partner might later claim a sexual encounter was non-consensual, especially if alcohol was involved.
Meanwhile, 39% of respondents admitted to feeling vulnerable due to fears of misinterpreting intimate situations.
Most alarmingly, 10% of participants believed that if someone initially says no to a sexual encounter, persistence might “change their mood.”
Among men under 35, three out of ten believe that sex can occur based on one person’s desire, even if the other is not interested.
Rachel Morrogh, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, described the findings as evidence of a “gulf between men and women’s understanding and expectations around sexual consent.”
She went on to say: “This gap is something we must urgently address if we are serious about reducing sexual violence in our society.”
She then pointed to the dangerous impact of “rape myths,” particularly the belief that victims frequently fabricate accusations of sexual violence.
“These myths discourage victims from coming forward and allow perpetrators to evade accountability,” she said.
“It is deeply disheartening for survivors of sexual violence to see such widespread skepticism about their experiences.”
The DRCC is urging the government to implement a robust, school-based programme on consent education and to sustain nationwide awareness campaigns to combat misinformation.
For anyone affected by issues related to sexual violence, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre offers support through its 24-hour helpline at 1800 77 8888.
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