Chai Brady
A leading charity has criticised the absence of convictions after laws criminalising sex buyers meant to “erode Ireland’s sex trade” were implemented 15 months ago.
This comes after Ruhama revealed they’ve assisted over 300 people affected by prostitution and sex trafficking in their 2017 Annual Report this week.
Sarah Benson, the CEO of Ruhama, has called on the Garda to take “swift and decisive action” to target sex buyers and ‘pimps’ who organise the sale of sex.
Speaking about legislation introduced in March 2017 she said: “It was designed to erode Ireland’s sex trade by criminalising the purchase of sex, thereby reducing demand, while also decriminalising those in prostitution as vulnerable persons who should not be criminally targeted.”
“We are deeply disappointed that no convictions against sex buyers have been secured under this legislation to date.”
According to Ruhama’s 2017 report they supported 304 people, including 104 victims – 39 nationalities – of sex trafficking from four continents.
The charities team conducted over 3,000 face-to-face meetings and more than 23,000 telephone contacts.