Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution – The Experiences of Migrant Women in Ireland
- Document number
- 2021
- Date
- 2009
- Title
- Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution – The Experiences of Migrant Women in Ireland
- Author/publisher
- Patricia and Carmel Kelleher, Monica O’Connor, Dr Jane Pillinger
- Availability
- View/save PDF version of this document
- Document type(s)
- Research/Study/Analysis,
- Keywords
- The research was undertaken in collaboration with the Women’s Health Project (HSE) and Ruhama and was funded by the Religious Sisters of Charity. Women's rights; Women; Control and regulation of prostitution, Protection, Punishable forms of prostitution,
- Summary
- This report reveals that, over a 21-month period in 2007-08, 102 women and girls presented at services who, using the internationally agreed definition, are considered victims of trafficking. Of these, 11 were children at the time they were trafficked. We also know that they are a fraction of the real number of victims of trafficking in this country. They are the ones who were rescued or escaped from their traffickers and pimps. The research also documents the widespread sexual exploitation of migrant women in Ireland’s sex industry. The sex industry in this country has undergone significant changes in recent times, moving off the streets and into apartments and houses with women and girls being provided to men who access prostitution via the internet or their mobile phones. The overwhelming majority of the women involved are migrant women.
The objectives of this research were to:• Produce a preliminary estimate of the numbers, profile and experiences of women who are identified as trafficked into and through Ireland for the purpose of sexual exploitation
• Examine the organisation and operation of the sex industry in Ireland, together with a preliminary estimate of the numbers and profile of women in prostitution in Ireland
• Document the various forms of movement, deception and coercion and the impact on health of women involved in indoor prostitution and who are trafficked
• Highlight international practice in responding to prostitution and sex trafficking, outline how women in the Irish sex industry can be supported and protected, and how trafficking into and through Ireland can be prevented.
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