Turn Off The Red Light

Interested in learning more about how the s*x trade is operating throughout the global pandemic? What are the impacts on women in the s*x trade? What are the best responses?

This upcoming webinar convened by the Sexual Exploitation Research Programme at UCD will delve into the issues in depth and hear from experts on the issue.

"Sexual exploitation in the shadows of Covid-19" - Thursday the 21st of May, 1.30-2.30pm.

Register by sending your RSVP to [email protected] by Monday the 18th of May.

"Written by child and family law expert, Dr Geoffrey Shannon, the report recommends that the right to protection, accommodation, legal advocacy, exit routes from prostitution and support for victims must be protected and enshrined in Irish policy."

Report finds 90% of s*x workers want to leave trade but resources are not there to help them Vulnerable s*x workers have not been given the supports and resources they were promised – supports which could help them leave prostitution and dismantle the illegal s*x trade, a new report has found.

Report released today on the implementation of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act Part IV

Key recommendations:
The need to continue to work with those enacting and implementing the legislation to ensure the exploiters are the target of criminal sanctions and those exploited are protected.

Report advocates for the rights to protection, accommodation, legal advocacy, exits routes and support for victims.

Resources need to be increased so that women can be supported across the entire country. Those who are most isolated in rural areas face the most barriers.

Policies should ensure legal representation, accommodation, redress, migration advice and representation.

Public awareness and preventative strategies should be central to government strategies. Educational modules should be developed and delivered in schools, firstly as a preventative measure and secondly to deter young people from becoming buyers of s*x. These programmes need to be regularly evaluated to assess their impact on attitudinal and behavioural change and should be a part of a wider s*xual education programme.
https://www.immigrantcouncil.ie/sites/default/files/2020-01/2020HLWGInterimReportSOA2017ByGeoffreyShannon.pdf

“Sexual exploitation is often an unseen crime - often victims are transported to clients’ properties so there may not be the obvious case of men coming and going to the one property.

They may be vulnerable and have been manipulated into having s*x for money, often controlled and coerced into passing over some of the profits to another person who ultimately lines their pockets as a result of the exploitation."

Two Ballymena men arrested over human trafficking and controlling prostitution Two men have been arrested by detectives investigating human trafficking and controlling prostitution following searches in Ballymena and Belfast.

Today in International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women which starts

We're marking this day by listening to survivor activist Mickey Meji speak in UCD at 4pm

Seminar w Mickey Meji: Marking Elimination of Violence Against Women Day UCD Sexual Exploitation Research Project & SPACE Interntational host a seminar with Mickey Meji, South African survivor activist

Prostitution is a a massive barrier to gender equality. Using money to buy access to bodies masks the entitlement punters (majority men) feel they have to their s*xual gratification and that power and control can be purchased. Buying access commodifies and reduces the human being to another product for consumption. In the era of how can the presence of money excuse certain behaviours?

Ivana Bacik: ‘Prostitution is not ‘work’ – it’s an abuse of power that harms women and our society’ Debates on prostitution are highly contentious. Even the language used is loaded.

Good to see men have been arrested in relation to the horrendous targeted attacks on people in prostitution.

If you need support:
Garda confidential line 1800 666 111 or 112 in emergency
Immigrant Council of Ireland
Ruhama
https://crimevictimshelpline.ie/services-resources/services

Gardaí arrest crime gang after series of attacks on s*x workers Gardaí have busted a Romanian crime group which has been targeting s*x workers in violent attacks across the country.