RCNI Press Release 16 April 2009

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) welcome the release of the Immigrant Council’s research “Globalization, Sex Trafficking and prostitution – the Experiences of migrant women in Ireland” as this is an issue of growing concern to the rape crisis sector.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director said, ‘this research is timely as the rape crisis sector is gaining an increasing body of anecdotal and statistical evidence about migrant women’s vulnerability to sexual violence. Particularly vulnerable are asylum seeking women who as a result of the conditions of Direct Provision are being drawn into the sex industry. Irish men, men from their own communities and those already involved in organizing and profiting from the sex industry target asylum women for prostitution. This takes many forms from the habitual ‘kerb crawling’ of the homes of asylum women, to the more organized internal trafficking of these women.

‘Asylum seekers are vulnerable to grooming into the sex industry by their dire economic circumstances, their previous experiences of sexual violence with over 7% of all Rape Crisis clients in 2007 being asylum seekers, the uncertainty of their legal status in Ireland and insufficient and inaccessible information and support. Many women are groomed by offers of jobs, money or help with their asylum application.

‘Of particular concern for the rape crisis sector are the barriers to services experienced by these girls and women. These barriers may include language difficulties, insufficient outreach, a lack of knowledge of their rights and protection available to them, and possible fear of state agencies.’

Notes:
• The RCNI is the national Rape Crisis Sector body, which provides a voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change towards a society free from abuse.

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