One in five young men would ‘keep going’ even if thought their partner wasn’t enjoying sex

Jody Coffey

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the content within this article distressing

“I think it is incumbent upon all of us and on every man in today’s society to learn more and to do better”

A survey conducted by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has revealed a ‘concerning’ attitude from young men towards consent.

In the survey, participants were asked to answer with their attitudes toward sexual consent.

One in five men under the age of 45 participating said: ‘I’d probably keep going even if I suspect my partner is not enjoying a sexual encounter.’

While this highlights a worrying view of concern from young men, well three-quarters of respondents had a more comforting outlook towards consent.

Over three-quarters (76 percent) of people agreed that ‘Everyone has the right to change their mind at any point during a sexual encounter, no matter how far it’s gone’.

Furthermore, the majority of people (84 percent) said that they would ‘prefer to stop things if I suspect my partner is not enjoying a sexual encounter.’

However, sadly, almost one in five (19 percent) believe that people say ‘no’ to sex when they want to be convinced.

The same number shared the view that sex can lack full consent without being considered rape.

While the public is moving in the ‘right direction’, DRCC ‘We-Consent’ manager Sarah Monaghan says the survey results indicate we have a ways to go.

“That highlights for us that some men under 45 still need that additional support when it comes to understanding the dynamics and the crucial importance of consent,’ Monaghan told Newstalk.

“The safety and enjoyment of all parties needs to be equalised during any sexual encounter and the fact that one party would continue when they are aware that the other party is not enjoying the encounter really is not acceptable.

“Regular check-ins can so easily be built into any sexual encounter and rather than, I think what a lot of people see as ruining the mood, they will in fact, almost certainly ensure that everyone has a more enjoyable experience and crucially that is a safer experience.”

Monaghan went on to say that some men can have outdated views about initiating sexual encounters.

“I think men in particular, historically, have been told that they need to be the one to initiate sex, that they are the pursuer, that they need to be assertive and, you know push for a yes.

“They are also told that women will refuse and need to be convinced. I think it is about really realising that these myths are 100% incorrect and they are actually deeply harmful.

“I think it is incumbent upon all of us and on every man in today’s society to learn more and to do better when it comes to disputing these myths with themselves and with those around them.

“So having conversations down the pub with their friends and also discussing this with their partners.”