Dublin Rape Crisis Centre removes grandparents consent video

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre removed a WeConsent video about consent and grandparents hugging children after it drew negative attention and government officials engaged with the centre. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan called the video inappropriate and demeaning to grandparents, and said it was counterproductive to teaching consent. The video showed grandparents arriving at a home and hugging a young child before approaching a teenage girl who appeared uncomfortable. A voiceover said, “Not everyone wants a hug. Even from the people who love them,” followed by the message, “Awkward? Maybe. Important? Absolutely.” The centre also removed two other videos from the WeConsent series. O’Callaghan said the video did not represent the Government’s views and that officials had engaged with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre before it was taken down. He said understanding consent in sexual relationships was important, but argued that the clip did not advance that aim. The centre said it removed the videos because of the negative attention and did not want it to distract from its work supporting victims and survivors and raising awareness. The extent of government funding or approval...