Sexual health
- Consent
- Bystander Intervention Training
- Free STI & Pregnancy Services
- Emergency Contraception & HIV Prevention
The DCU Students’ Union is committed to promoting a positive environment surrounding sex and consent. Working with Active* Consent, we train all of our students upon enrollment in DCU.
Students should consult sexualwellbeing.ie for any information regarding their sexual health, or contact jamie.mangan@dcu.ie with any queries.
Consent
Consent is mandatory for intimacy between 2 or more people. When engaging in intimate experiences, remember to keep it OMFG.
Ongoing
a person can change their mind at any point during intimacy. It also means that you should check in with your partner(s) consistently during the duration of each sexual act.
An example is asking your partner(s) “is this okay?” as you progress from kissing to oral sex, or from oral sex to penetrative sex.
Mutually Given
All parties involved in intimacy must give their consent. Just because you are comfortable doing something does not mean your partner(s) is comfortable. Consent cannot be one-sided.
Freely Given
Freely given consent means someone actively and enthusiastically provides consent for participating in intimacy. It means they are not under pressure (physical or otherwise) to give consent.
Bystander Intervention Training
Bystander Intervention Training teaches you the skills to intervene in situations where things don’t feel right. For example, if you see any bullying, sexual violence, or a crime.
Take bystander intervention training on LOOP.
Free STI & Pregnancy Services
There are a number of Sexual Health Services across the country that are available for free. For the most up-to-date information for any person in Ireland in light of COVID-19.
DCU’s Health Centre also provides STI services. A nurse consultation on STIs is available for free through the Health Centre during term-time.
A full STI screening costs €40 euro and includes blood tests for things such as Hepatitis A & B + HIV.
Availability of public health services
Free condoms
During term-time, free condoms (including latex-freare available on campus at the SU Helpdesk. Condoms are also available across DCU Campuses.
Free condoms by post are available for anyone in Ireland. You can place your order with the Sexual Health Centre based in Cork.
Free pregnancy tests
Pregnancy tests are available for free in the post via the Students’ Union. This is a discreet service and can be anonymous.
Pregnancy Supports
If you have unexpectedly become pregnant and need support, there are options available. MyOptions runs a 24/7 phone service which provides medical advice including information on abortion services. They also offer counselling Mon-Fri from 9am-8pm and on Saturday’s from 10am-2pm.
You can contact MyOptions at: 1800 828 010 (ROI) / +353 1 687 7044 (Outside ROI). Book an appointment to use MyOptions through sign language
HIV Prevention (PrEP)
PrEP is a daily pill that prevents HIV, available for free to eligible at-risk groups. It can be filled at most pharmacies, though stock may vary; try the on-campus pharmacy or Omni Park. Apply for a free Drugs Payment Card before your first PrEP appointment. For more info, contact the VP Wellbeing.
Emergency Contraception & HIV Prevention
The morning after pill
If you've had unprotected sex and are concerned about pregnancy, emergency contraception is available. It's more effective the sooner it's taken.
- Two pill options: one within 72 hours, the other within 120 hours. Available at pharmacies without a prescription.
- You can also apply online and pick up the morning-after pill at DCU's on-campus pharmacy.
- For emergency IUD (copper coil) fitting within 5 days, consult your GP or pharmacist. The IUD can remain effective for up to 12 years.
PeP (if you have been exposed to HIV)
Post-exposure prophylaxis is a month-long (28 days) course of drugs which can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex (i.e., you are not on PrEP, and you did not use condoms).
PeP is available through most STI clinics. However, PeP is available in most hospital emergency departments across the country. You can find your nearest PeP provider.
Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence
DCU regards any sexual misconduct as unacceptable and operates a zero tolerance policy with regard to sexual misconduct. Full details can be found on the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy.
If you have just been assaulted, try to get to a safe place and seek support from someone who can help you. If you are injured, seek medical attention by calling 999 or 112. You can further call the National 24 Hour Free Phone Helpline at 1800 778888 for support and information on your options.
If you would like to report the assault, you can call the Gardaí, find your local station, or call 999 or 112 for more. The Gardaí will also arrange transport to the nearest Sexual Assault Treatment Unit to get you medical attention and collect forensic evidence.
Medical Attention
For medical attention, your local Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) provides specialist treatment and information. Available on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year.
There are 6 SATUs in Ireland- Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Mullingar and Waterford. (Limerick have a service but you will need to call 999/112 to explain what service you would like).
DCU Support Advocates
DCU has dedicated staff members who are there to help you in your times of need. Each member of DCUSU has also received Disclosure Training to ensure if you are ever in need of disclosing information on your experience, we can get you the right support. Useful contacts can be found below:
If you ever need to chat to anyone about any of these topics, please contact Jamie, the VP for Wellbeing.
