Sex trafficking support charity reports 30% spike in demand for services 

But they were trafficked to Ireland and locked in a room, from which she was frequently removed to be raped by multiple men. Even when she started bleeding heavily her violent trafficker refused to bring her to hospital.

Fearing for her life, her husband smashed the door to their prison apartment, pulled her outside and begged a passerby for help.

Esther was rushed to hospital where she had emergency surgery, but lost her baby.

That night, I lost my child. I lost my dignity as a woman; I lost my everything. I felt like I had nothing left until I was brought to Ruhama. This is where I started receiving support while trying to restore my dignity. Little by little, I started seeing light.

Esther is one of 155 victims of human trafficking who engaged with Ruhama last year, according to the charity’s new annual report for 2023, launched in Dublin today.

It found a 30% spike in demand for support services for women impacted by prostitution and human trafficking for sexual exploitation in 2023 compared to 2022.

It also saw a 29% increase in new victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Some 108 people accessed Ruhama’s trauma and counselling service in 2023 for healing and recovery from sexual violence — a 31% rise on the previous year. Some 646 people engaged with its services from 51 nationalities.

Ireland and Zimbabwe were the nationalities that most engaged with Ruhama having been impacted by prostitution, with 37 people from each country seeking help.

Brazil was the country with the next highest number seeking help from prostitution at 25, followed by Nigeria (21), South Africa (12), and Romania (11).

Nigeria had by far the most victims of trafficking who engaged with Ruhama last year with 82 people. Zimbabwe (16) had the second-highest number of trafficking victims seeking help, followed by South Africa (13).

‘Ciara’ from Ireland has been engaging with Ruhama’s services for two-and-a-half years.

I lost my place in my degree, became homeless for a second time, faced suicidal tendencies, and the shame of engaging in behaviour that would eventually lead me to Ruhama’s services.

"Therapy helped me overcome a lot of emotional pain. I was supported while becoming a functioning member of society again. Education services supported me as I got back into education and finished my degree.” 

Ruhama CEO Barbara Condon said: “Prostitution and human trafficking are exploitative, inherently violent and demeaning to women. We are witnessing daily the impact of sexual violence and sexual exploitation from which recovery is lifelong."

Former Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, now an MEP, is to be announced today as new Charity Ambassador with Ruhama at the launch of its latest annual report and roadmap for the next five years.

“It’s important to raise awareness about the reality of sexual exploitation in our society and the impact that it’s having on countless women and girls every day," she said.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is to launch the reports. 

“Human trafficking for sexual exploitation and the purchase of sex are crimes that prey on some of the most vulnerable. They are committed with no regard for life, dignity or for the most basic of human rights," Ms McEntee said.