Please explore these IADT resources to help us in our journey towards Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
EDI Guides
Consent – FRIES
In IADT we use FRIES to talk about consent. We need to make sure that when we are engaging in any sexual activity, we actively seek consent from our partners with FRIES.
- Freely given – We must ensure that our partners are able to give their consent free from pressure, coercion, force or threat of force.
- Retractable – We must ensure to keep checking in with our partners during any sexual activity; it’s completely normal and completely OK to change your mind at any stage!
- Informed – We must ensure that we seeking informed consent from our partners. This means that everyone involved should not be in a state of intoxication where they are unable to make an informed decision. We must also ensure that everyone involved is informed about contraception and sexual health.
- Enthusiasm – This one is super important, as we want our sexual activities to be fun and exciting and intimate and vulnerable, and there’s nothing better than showing that and giving your partners very enthusiastic consent. If we can set the standard of consent as enthusiastic, then we can hopefully mitigate some of the grey areas that we may encounter.
- Specific – We must ensure that we are seeking consent from partners for each specific activity at each specific time – this is for one night (or afternoon) stands and long-term relationships and everything in between.
Consent Plus
Consent Plus is a training programme that looks at the basics of consent, first responder and bystander intervention. The training takes 90 minutes and is available to all staff and students. If you would like to receive Consent Plus training, or if you would like to organise a training session for your club, society or functional area please get in contact equality@iadt.ie.
First Responder
When we raise awareness of topics such as sexual misconduct or racism we often see a rise in disclosures, as this awareness can highlight to people that their experiences are valid and appreciated.
It is important to note that a disclosure is different from a report; and that progressing an issue further to a disciplinary matter is for the person affected to decide. It can be very difficult to receive a disclosure, and it is important to look after yourself during the process. Below are some useful tips for how to respond to a disclosure.
| Do | Don’t |
| React calmly | Probe them with questions about the incident |
| Listen carefully and attentively | Promise to keep anything secret |
| Invite them to talk if they want, and ask open questions | Give opinions or make judgements on anyone’s behaviour (theirs or the perpetrator) |
| Reassure them that you are glad they told you, and that you were right to do so | Rush or panic |
| Let them know you will take them seriously, and will accept their account without questioning it | Tell them what they should do or encourage them to report |
| Remember to keep an open mind about sexual violence – that it can take many forms, can happen to anyone, and everyone’s response is individual | Make any promises about what might happen or what outcome they can expect if they make a report – just say you don’t know |
| Check in with what they need both now, and in the future to feel OK/safe | Assume you know what’s best for them |
| Use grounding and breathing exercises if they are overwhelmed | Tell them everything will be OK, or minimise what happened |
| Offer signposting for further support or for taking further action | Express surprise or disbelief |
| Ensure they are in full control over what happens next | Try to fix it |
Bystander Intervention
Please see the below resource from the UCC Bystander Intervention Programme.
Bystander Intervention: A Quick Guide
IADT plans to pilot the Bystander Intervention programme in 2022. Upon completion of course, developed at UCC, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.