Cork Nurse Leading School Campaign to Educate Teens on Sexual Violence

A Cork-based sexual assault nurse is leading an education programme across schools aimed at helping young people better understand sexual violence, consent, and how to seek help.

Margo Noonan, lead nurse at the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) in Cork’s South Infirmary Victoria Hospital, said the programme was created in response to growing concerns over sexual violence involving teenagers. The initiative has been running since 2017 and is now being delivered to students from first through sixth year.

According to the unit, more than 170 people sought help at the centre last year, with the highest number of patients falling within the 18 to 25 age bracket. However, the service has also seen a rise in younger victims aged between 14 and 16, increasing demand for prevention education in schools.

The programme covers key topics including consent, sexual violence laws, and support pathways for victims. Noonan said one of its main goals is to equip young people with the language and confidence to speak up if they experience abuse.

She also highlighted concerns around the impact of social media, harmful online influences, and violent pornography, warning that some young people are becoming desensitised to aggressive sexual behaviour.

Noonan stressed that sexual violence can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background, adding that most victims know the person responsible. She also called for more support for male victims, saying many young men struggle to recognise or report abuse.

The school outreach programme continues to expand across Munster as awareness around consent education and safeguarding grows.