- The DRCC explained that the videos were produced at low cost using volunteers and were not part of a Government advertising campaign; they were removed from social media to enable a review.
- The DRCC added that they removed the video to avoid negativity distracting from the vital work of the centre in supporting victims and survivors.
- Fianna Fáil TD Jim O'Callaghan and Minister for Health acknowledged the video was not a Government campaign and did not represent Government views, while also defending the positive role of grandparents.
- Government officials and politicians, including TDs Paul Lawless and Ken O'Flynn, expressed criticism, claiming the video conflated sexual consent with grandparent affection and went too far.
- Psychologist John Francis Leader offered a balanced perspective, noting different people have different needs and that the video depicted both appreciating and not appreciating a hug.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has pulled an advertisement aimed at promoting consent after receiving significant criticism. The ad depicted a young girl expressing discomfort while receiving a hug from her grandparents, accompanied by a voiceover stating, “Not everyone wants a hug. Even from the people who love them.”1234
The advertisement, which was launched on social media in mid-September, was described by the Minister for Justice as “both inappropriate and demeaning” to grandparents. Following discussions with government officials, the DRCC decided to remove the ad to prevent further negativity from overshadowing its mission to support victims and raise awareness about consent issues.
The DRCC clarified that the video was produced at a low cost using volunteers and was not part of a government campaign. “Social media videos shared recently as part of this programme were produced by DRCC at a low cost using volunteers and are not part of a Government advertising campaign,” they stated.567
Critics, including Minister for Health, questioned the necessity of the ad, asking, “Why is the State asking grannies to second-guess themselves when it comes to hugging their grandchildren?” Others, like Independent TD Ken O’Flynn, expressed that the ad “goes too far” and could be seen as insulting to families. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between promoting consent and preserving familial affection.
As the DRCC reviews the video, it aims to ensure that its messaging aligns with its core mission of supporting victims and fostering understanding of consent in society.
“The DRCC, which produced the ad with volunteers at low cost, removed it to avoid negativity distracting from its work supporting victims. Politicians criticized it for conflating consent with grandparent affection; Fianna Fáil TD Jim O'Callaghan called it counterproductive.”
