Is Northern Ireland the most dangerous place in Europe for women? It’s supposed to be illegal to pay for sexual services as a result of legislation introduced in 2015, yet more than 500 women are being advertised daily on escorting websites and are believed to be victims of sex trafficking. So, how do we identify and prevent sex trafficking, and where can you report it?
Sex trafficking is a serious human rights violation and a form of modern-day slavery where individuals are coerced into engaging in sexual activities for commercial purposes. According to the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy Institute, there are clear indicators that women are being “coerced and controlled” by “organised” crime units within Northern Ireland. Here are four signs of sex trafficking to look out for:
Age - Typically, victims of sex trafficking are in their early twenties because they are considered easier to take advantage of, and youthfulness is desired by service users.
Limited-time deal - They could be advertised as new to the country or only available for the weekend, as they are routinely moved or discarded for discretionary purposes.
Basic grasp of English - Often, sex trafficking victims are migrants with a limited understanding of English who may have consented to move countries, but not for the purpose of enacting sexual services. Comprehension issues make it easier to take advantage.
Requests for Ratings - Requesting positive reviews for their page may suggest it is being run as a business for financial gain rather than for personal use.
Four primary websites are being used to facilitate sex trafficking across Northern Ireland: Locanto, Adult Works, Viva Street, and Escort Ireland. Escort Ireland is the largest of the four and has been in business for over 30 years, which begs the question: How long has this been happening? There are growing calls to boycott websites like this, and although Escort Ireland has a disclaimer stating that charges are for time and companionship only, it cannot be ignored that it is not being used solely for its intended purpose, and someone is financially benefiting from that.
To prevent further cases like this, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has set up a Specialist Investigation Unit into Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Migrant Help and Belfast and Lisburn’s Women’s Aid have also been contracted by the Department of Justice to provide support for men and women who have experienced sexual exploitation through human trafficking, from the initial report to aftercare once the case has been resolved.
If you have any concerns that someone you know is a victim of sex trafficking, please do not hesitate to contact your local authorities.
Written by Leah Marie Cox
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