New research from the Rape Crisis Centre has found there is a gap between men and women's understanding of sexual consent. 

The research, which is part of the organisation's We-Consent campaign surveyed 923 people online to gauge the public's attitudes towards consent.

According to the results, 46% of men surveyed agree that people "often make up accusations about non-consensual sex", while 27% of women agreed with the statement.

25% of men and 14% of women said they are "not sure that sex without consent is as widespread a problem as it's made out to be".

A majority of adults (92%) agreed that even if consent is given, a person can change their mind at any point.

However, 29% of men between the ages of 18-24 believe that if a person has consented they "can't really" change their mind.

Feature image shows people sitting at a table at a bar, Alamy

55% of dating adults, meanwhile, are "fearful that a partner might say that the sexual encounter that occurred when they were drinking was not consensual, despite going along with it at the time".

39% often "feel vulnerable" over the fear of "misreading an intimate situation".

The study also found that 1-in-10 people think that if a person says no to a sexual encounter, they can "keep going as they might get in the mood".

3-in-10 men under the age of 35 believe that "sex happens when one [person] wants it, even if the other is not in the mood".

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Rachel Morrogh said the study shows there is a "gulf between men and women’s understanding and expectations around sexual consent".

'Rape myths'

"This is a gap that we must close if we want to reduce the prevalence of sexual violence in this country," Ms Morrogh said.

Ms Morrogh said it is "particularly worrying" that so many people believe victims make false accusations of rape.

"Rape myths discourage victims from coming forward and enable perpetrators to live free from consequences," she said.

"It is demoralising and dispiriting for anyone who has experienced sexual violence to see that almost half of men and close to 3-in-10 women think that accusations of rape are often made up."

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is calling on the Government to introduce a "comprehensive school programme" centred on consent and to maintain national awareness campaigns.

If you or anyone you know is impacted by the issues discussed in this article, you can contact the DRCC National 24-hour helpline on 1800 77 8888.

Feature image shows a couple sitting up in bed, Alamy