Ireland experiencing 'epidemic' of domestic and gender-based violence

Helen McEntee said a hike in demand for support services for sexually-exploited women is the 'tip of the iceberg'. Picture: Mark Stedman

Domestic and gender-based violence is an “epidemic” in Irish society, and the surge in demand for support services for sexually-exploited women is just the “tip of the iceberg”, the minister for justice has said.

At the launch of anti-sexual exploitation charity Ruhama’s annual report, Helen McEntee said a long-awaited review of the 2017 sexual offences legislation — which made paying for sexual services a criminal offence — should be ready within the coming weeks.

A review of the act was supposed to have been completed within three years of the legislation coming into effect.

“We need to make sure it is working [as] effectively as it can,” Ms McEntee said. “While there have been twists and turns and bumps in that review, it’s now in my department."

The minister said she would work to ensure any recommendations which can lead to more convictions under the law are followed up.

We’re starting to see that progress, but we need to see that progress quicker and faster.

Ruhama’s annual report recorded a 30% spike in demand for support services for women impacted by prostitution and human trafficking for sexual exploitation in 2023, compared to 2022.

“We remain very concerned about the inappropriate placement of victims of human trafficking in direct provision accommodation,” CEO Barbara Condon said. “Particularly where there is additional intimidation and threat from external protests.” 

Ruhama is 'very concerned about the inappropriate placement of victims of human trafficking in direct provision accommodation', said CEO Barbara Condon. Picture: Mark Stedman

Ms Condon says her organisation is also worried about a “notable rise” is misogyny, with the availability of hardcore pornography featuring explicit sexual violence.

“You’ve also seen the audacity of men sexually exploiting women facing homelessness by offering sex for rent,” she added.

The Irish Examiner has published a series of investigations into the prevalence of “sex-for-rent” situations, and Ms Condon said more needs to be done to tackle such exploitation.

She also introduced a service user of Ruhama who spoke of her own experience, and who wished to remain anonymous.

“I’m a survivor of sexual abuse and human trafficking,” she said, outlining the trauma and pain she had suffered and how her rights were “violated in the most inappropriate ways”.

It has prolonged, lasting impacts in my life. It brought intense feelings of shame and guilt. But the support I received from Ruhama was a crucial part of my healing journey. 

"It does not determine my identity and future. I stand before you as a very different person. I cannot alter the past. I can see hope and opportunity, where I once felt I had none.”