Prostitution is the selling of sexual services in exchange for money or some other benefit, for example – housing, gifts, goods.

Under Irish law:

• It is not illegal to sell sex.
• It is illegal to buy sex.

Human trafficking, pimping, brothel keeping & other activities related to organised prostitution are also illegal.

In Ireland, nobody selling sex is criminalised but the purchase of sex is illegal because Ireland has adopted the Equality or Nordic Model. The Equality Model targets buyers, exploiters, and traffickers. You can read more about the sex trade in Ireland here.

Under the Equality Model

Individuals selling or being sold for sex are not criminalised.

Anyone who is active in prostitution or has been trafficked can go to the Gardaí (the Irish police), hospitals or any agency for protection, without fear of being charged with a crime or prosecuted.

• If you are selling sex and you have been a victim of a crime (eg theft, assault or rape), you can safely report it. Call your local Garda station or phone 999.
• If you are selling sex and you want to report a pimp or a buyer you can call Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit at (086) 828 2704 or (086) 828 2515 or Garda Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit at 1800 666 111 daily from 9am to 9pm or email blueblindfold@garda.ie

Supports are provided to help women leave prostitution, and to offer vulnerable women at risk of sexual exploitation more choices.

Ruhama is here to help if you have ever been in prostitution (e.g. escorting, on-street, massage); ever had sex for a place to sleep, food, gifts, or goods; ever done webcamming, phone sex, lapdancing or porn. Our team speak a number of different languages. We’ll also provide a translator if necessary. Read about what we can do for you here.

No judgement. No questions. Just support.

Call or email us today.

Services for women who sell sex

In addition to Ruhama, there are a number of services available to women who are or have been active in prostitution or who have been trafficked for sexual exploitation.

Women’s Health Service (WHS)

The WHS sexual health clinic for women involved in the sex industry and victims of human trafficking. By appointment only. More information here.

Rape and Sexual Violence Crisis Support and Sexual Assault Trauma Units (SATU)

If you have been subjected to sexual violence there are a number of rape crisis centres and SATUs across Ireland.

A Rape Crisis Centre can offer advice and support on where to go depending on your situation. The National Rape Crisis Helpline operated by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) is open 24 hours at 1800 77 8888 and the DRCC website here contains information and resources around sexual violence.

A SATU is a safe place to go if you have been raped or sexually assaulted. SATUs can help by offering a forensic exam and medical care. You may need help for a possible pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Find out more about SATUs here.

You can find your nearest Rape Crisis Centre and SATU here.

Citizen’s Information Service

Citizen’s Information Service is a free advice service that covers issues such as social welfare, health, money and tax. Find out more here or find a Citizen’s Information Center here.

Other helpful organisations

• AkiDwa is a national network of migrant women living in Ireland that works against sexual and gender-based violence, including domestic violence, forced marriages and trafficking. Website here
• Doras is an independent organisation working to promote and protect the rights of people from a migrant background in Ireland. Website here.
• Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) is a national organisation working to advance the rights of migrant workers and their families at risk of exploitation, social exclusion and discrimination. Website here.
• The Immigrant Council of Ireland is a national, independent non-governmental organisation that promotes the rights of migrants. Website here.