The UCC Bystander Intervention programme was developed to tackle issues of sexual and relationship violence, by educating and empowering students and staff to support the development of a visible, pro-social institutional culture which stands against unacceptable behaviour and abuse and instead fosters a culture of positivity and support. On completion of this training programme, participants will be able to:
- highlight unacceptable behaviour.
- challenge unwanted behaviour, as well as verbal and physical advances.
- effect pro-social behaviour and cultural change.
Students will find it on their Moodle Home page listed under their courses.
Staff will find the course on Learning and development at this link Staff Courses | Maynooth University where it is listed as Bystander Intervention.
Maynooth University asks all new students to complete a 30 minute online consent workshop by Active* Consent. We then run regular in-person Active* Consent workshops throughout the year.
Maynooth University also provides an online 'Consent at MU' Moodle Module for staff/students. This includes the following information and resources:
- The legal definition of consent, rape, and sexual assault in Irish law
- How external factors (gender roles, alcohol and drugs, etc) can impact our ability to communicate consent with our partners
- Fictional consent scenarios featuring a diverse range of relationships
- How to be an Active* Bystander that intervenes to prevent SVH (sexual violence & harassment) from occurring
- What to do if a close friend tells you about a negative sexual experience they have had
- Interactive content (quizzes, polls, etc) that helps students develop a more nuanced understanding of consent & sexual violence
This module takes 30-45 mins to complete and we encourage all members of Maynooth University to complete it.
As part of a collaboartion with The National Condom Distribution Service (which is managed by the Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme, HSE Health and Wellbeing), Maynooth provides free condoms for staff/students at 4 locations:
- Arts Building (by the lockers)
- Student Health Centre (all genders toilet)
- John Hume Building (female toilets)
- John Hume Building (male toilets)
Using condoms correctly and every time you have sex will reduce your risk of getting an STI or an unplanned pregnancy. Condoms are 98% effective when you use them correctly.
Remember: Even if you consent to a sexual act initally, you can always change your mind before or during the act.
‘Period poverty’ is a serious injustice that effects people all over the world. The term refers to a lack of access to period products, to information on menstruation and to appropriate sanitation facilities. It can cause many problems such as physical discomfort, missing out on work/study, having to choose between groceries or period products and not being aware how your body functions.
According to research undertaken by Irish period product company Riley 90% of people who mensurate run of period products when they need them, 65% feel under-appreciated in the workplace and almost two-thirds feel their period symptoms have been disregarded. Furthermore 86% started their periods unexpectedly in public without the supplies they needed, 79% were forced to use toilet paper or other materials as a makeshift pad, 62% had to buy supplies during work hours, while 39% immediately went home to get period products.
Maynooth University strongly believes no-one should have to experience period poverty - no-one should have to struggle to access safe period products, go without period products or sacrifice their dignity. In response to this issue, Maynooth University are proud to partner with Riley and present a 3-year pilot project '#PeriodDignity' where eco-friendly, organic cotton, toxin free products which are kind to the body and the planet will be provided for staff and student at several locations across campus.
- Library (upstairs female bathroom & all genders bathroom)
- Phoenix Centre (ground floor female bathroom & upstairs all genders bathroom)
- Rye Building (ground floor all gender bathroom)
- Student Services (ground floor all gender bathroom)
- MAP (ground floor all gender bathroom)
- MSU (female bathroom & all gender bathroom)
This is a pilot project. Please be mindful of others and only take what you need. If you notice the stock is running low, please email [email protected] to let us know & we can organize a refill!
From Academic Year 24/25 we are proud to expand the Period Dignity Project to include some resuable products such as period pants and menstrual cups. To access these products contact us via email: [email protected].
See Full-size Map Here
When it comes to sexual health, it is important to choose a contraception option that fits YOUR situation and lifestyle. Click on this video to hear Susan a GP from our Student Health Centre explain what contraception options are available on campus. All contraception options are FREE for people aged 17 to 35 years, with the exception of the copper coil (free to fit, small fee for the device).
Long-lasting contraceptives don't protect against STIs, so you also pick up some FREE condoms at one of our 4 dispensers across campus.
Remember: If you consent to a sexual act initally, you can always change your mind before or during the act.
Having regular screening tests for sexually transmitted infections is an important part of self-care if you are sexually active.
STI screening appointments are always available on-campus at our Student Health Centre.
The HSE also provide a free service called SH:24 which enables people to order a free STI test kit to use at home. After the sample is returned and tested results are provided via text or phonecall. For more info or to order a kit visit SH:24
