Latest News & Press
Life as a prostitute
Irish Times, Letters to the Editor by Katherine Dunne, Chair, Labour Women
A prostitute's life: 'Whether it hurts the woman or not, the men don't care'
Irish Times by Kathy Sheridan
Donegal's growing sex trade confirmed
Donegal Democrat by Eamonn McFadden
Sexual slavery in Ireland
RTE Prime Time - Edel McCallister reports that Ruhama, who works with women affected by prostitution reported an increase in the number of women affected by prostitution in Ireland seeking their help.
RTE Prime Time - John Mooney, Crime Correspondent, The Sunday Times and Denise Charleton, Immigrant Council of Ireland discuss what can be done. Click here to View >
Ruhama's Newsletter
In this edition meet Ruhama's new CEO, read about our support work to victims of trafficking; including Beatrise’s story and a mother and daughter reunited through congregational networks.
Why Men who use prostitutes can be as dangerous as Larry Murphy
By Susan McKay, chief executive of the National Women's Council of Ireland and published in the Irish Daily Mail.
Ruhama probes 26 trafficking claims
Irish Examiner by Stephen Rogers
Prostitutes forced to take more risks, says charity
Irish Times by Steven Carroll
More sex workers seeking help from charity
Irish Independent by Shane Hickey
50% of Ruhama's case work involved trafficking
RTE News - Click here to view full news report >>
News At One, RTE Radio 1, Sarah Benson, CEO Ruhama, says the organisation's caseload went up by almost a quarter last year and many of the women it helps were sent to Ireland illegally Click here to listen >>
Nine News, RTE TV, Eimear Lowe reports that the agency, which helps women involved in prostitution, has seen a 22% increase in demand for its services Click here to view >>
Interview with one woman involved in in-door prostitution
News at One, RTE Radio 1, Eimear Lowe speaks to one woman who was involved in prostitution for 20 years
Press Release: Ruhama assist 196 women in 2009
Ruhama launches its Annual Statistics Report for 2009 today. The report confirms that it had assisted 196 women affected by prostitution throughout the year. This included a significant number of women who had been trafficked into this country for the purposes of sexual exploitation and also shows a 22% increase on 2008 (161 women asssted in 2008)
Click here to read the full press release and case studies >
Click on this link to download the full Annual Statistics Report >
It's business as usual for sex trade
Sunday Independent by Jim Cusack
Undetected brothels operating in Leitrim
Leitrim Observer by Fiona Heavey
Although no brothels have been detected in the county by Gardai so far this year, the Leitrim Observer has been told 'there are definitely brothels operating in Co Leitrim.'
Brothels blitz shuts down 28 this year
Evening Herald By Cormac Byrne
Ruhama said the figures only reveals the 'tip of the iceberg' and called on the Department of Justice to bring in legislation that reflects the current situation in the Irish sex industry.
Hundreds of condoms and sex toys seized from brothels in crackdown
In a major crackdown on the growing sex trade in Sligo town, four women appeared before the courts following raids on brothels in Connolly Street and Quayside in Sligo.
Irish Independent by Anita Guidera
Bill to protect victims of human trafficking published today
The Immigration, Residency and Protection Bill 2010 was published today. This Bill contains measures to protect victims of human trafficking, including; a 60 day Recovery & Refection Period and a 6 month Temperary Residency Permit.
Protection to Victims of Human Trafficking is in Section 8, Part 139, Pages 169, 170, 171
Escort woman raped in her flat by burglar
Herald.ie by Brian Kavanagh
A MAN who raped a woman working as an escort in Dublin city centre has received a 10-year sentence with the final three years suspended.
25 human trafficking victims saved
Irish Independent Breaking News
Anti-racketeering officials rescued 25 victims of human trafficking in Northern Ireland last year, Justice Minister David Ford has revealed.
Call to combat human trafficking
Irish Independent Breaking News
Human trafficking is on the rise in Northern Ireland and must be combated, an Assembly committee says.
Dissident republican boss is central to gang of people-traffickers and pimps
Sunday Independent by Jim Cusack
Ireland ratified the UN convention against transnational organised crime
Ireland ratified the UN convention against transnational organised crime today. This convention has been widely known as the Palermo convention or Palermo protocol.
It contains measures to prevent and punish human trafficking, and has a worldwide accepted definition of human trafficking.
Ruhama used the definition in this convention to assess and identify victims of trafficking since 2000. It was very significant for Ruhama that this UN convention came into play in 2000 because we started working with our first victims of trafficking during that year and had to work within a legislative vacuum in Ireland.
John O Donoghue, the then Minister of Justice, signed this UN convention in December 2000 and Ireland enacted the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act in June 2008, which incorporates the UN's definition of human trafficking.
It was impossible to get any sleep or rest, says mother who miscarried
Irish Times by Jamie Smyth
Analysis: Asylum seekers living in hostels for several years are facing significant mental stress
In this article one woman says she is completely depressed after spending three years living in the hostel waiting for her asylum claim to be processed. It is also highlighted in this article that some female residents resort to prostitution to make money.
Press Release: The Irish Government needed to do more to tackle the crime of sex trafficking before graduating to Tier 1 in the US Trafficking in Person’s report which was published today
The 2010 United States Trafficking in Person's (TIP) report was published today and Ireland increased its ranking to Tier 1 in its efforts to address human trafficking. Ruhama recognises that the Irish Government has made much progress in tackling the issue of human trafficking in recent years however Gerardine Rowley, PRO of Ruhama said today 'There is a danger by placing Ireland at Tier 1 in this report, that it will send out a false perception, that the victims of trafficking are receiving full protection and assistance from the State because we know that this is not the reality.
Click here to read full press release >>
Press Release: The Film ‘Trafficked’ is a must see for those who wish to get an insight into a dark and abusive world
A new Irish film 'Trafficked' will be shown in several of our cinemas, starting today. This is an excellent film, as it recreates with remarkable skill, the reality for many women who have been trafficked in this country for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Click here to read full press statement >>
The film Trafficked goes on release 21st May 2010
Trafficked is a very good film, in terms of acting and drama but also it gives a good insight into the reality of sex trafficking in Ireland.
Trafficked can be seen at the following cinemas from Friday 21st May 2010: Cineworld, Parnell St, Dublin Screen, Dublin Swan Cinema, Rathmines, Dublin IMC Cinema, Dun Laoghaire Omniplex Cinema, Cork Omniplex Cinema, Galway.
If it is not showing in your local area, create a demand for it by asking your local cinema to show it
Capital D
RTE 1 - Presented by Anne Cassin
Capital D features the new Irish film 'Trafficked'.
Interviews with Actors - Ruth Negga and Karl Shiels, Director - Ciaran O'Connor, Ruhama - Gerardine Rowley and a woman who was a victim of sex trafficking in Ireland.
'Trafficked' is the 3 item featured on the programme and starts at 11:34
Trafficked Premier raises €1,432.00 for Ruhama
Ruhama backs Judge Neilan's calls for brothel users to be named and shamed
Longford Leader by Liam Cosgrove
Trafficked Premier booked out
Tickets for the Premier of Trafficked, which is in aid of Ruhama are now booked out. However you can always send a donation to Ruhama, through the bank, by post or online - check out the options on our website under 'How you can help'.
Book your ticket for the Premier of the Irish film 'Trafficked' which is in aid of Ruhama
Tickets are now available for the Premier of the film 'Trafficked' which takes place in Cineworld, Parnell Street, Dublin on the 19th May at 6.30pm and is in aid of Ruhama.
You can book tickets by emailing admin@ruhama.ie or tel 01 836 0292
As you collect your tickets at the venue on the night of the premier, we ask that you leave a donation, as big or small as you want, to support the work of Ruhama. Click here to view the film trailer ››
Gardai to destroy brothel videos
Irish Independent by Ralph Riegel
Customers and prostitutes were secretly taped over the internet
Sunday Independent by Ralph Riegel
Gardai struggle to contain growth in sexual services
Sunday Independent by Daniel McConnell and David Sayers
Ruhama says 'The legitimate massage and therapy sector needs to be regulated so that criminal elements both nationally and internationally can be totally debarred from using these services as a front for their lucrative prostitution business.'
The father, son, their 'Bible' and unholy alliances
Sunday Independent by Maeve Sheehan
IT was known as 'The Bible': the brothel handbook issued to the women who worked for the multimillion euro vice ring operated by Mark McCormick, who was jailed on Friday.
Family ran online sex advertisement service in UK
Ruhama calls for up-to-date legislation to prosecute the people behind websites used by brothel keepers to advertise their business.
Pimps laughing because internet allows them to operate freely
Irish Examiner by Conor Gallagher
'Websites are out there trying to dupe people into believing that the sex trade is all about consenting women and that there's loads of money to be made by women,' 'The truth is they are being exploited and pimps are using these websites to do it. We need to do a catch-up on legislation.' says Ruhama.
Man jailed for running brothels
RTE News by Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent
A 26-year-old man, Mark McCormick, who ran a network of brothels in Dublin earning hundreds of thousands of euro was sentenced to two and a half years in prison today. Ruhama said more garda resources and tougher legislation were needed to tackle this worsening problem.
Click here to view all news reports >>
Click here to listen to News at One>> Click here to view Six One News>>
Brothel keeper sentenced
TV 3 News by Dyane Connor
A man who made twenty five thousand euro a month running brothels has received a two and a half year jail sentence. Mark McCormick was described as being 'at the top of the ladder' in an organised prostitution ring in Dublin.
Carroll case is no exception in Ireland
The Irish Times by Conor Lally, Crime Correspondent
THE STATE’S leading group (Ruhama) assisting women involved in prostitution says that while the details of the oppression and violence inflicted by TJ Carroll and his associates are shocking, they are far from uncommon..........Click here to read full article >>
Life inside an Irish brothel
Irish Times by Conor Lally, Crime Correspondent
Empire of a pimp
Irish Times, Weekend Review by Conor Lally, Crime Correspondent
Why business is booming in the recession -- for our 'escort girls'
Irish Idependent by Carissa Casey
I'm sorry......for making you work as a hooker
Irish News of the World by Stephen Breen
Romanian brothel keeper given a week to leave Ireland
By Aoife Nic Ardghail
Ruhama Press Release: Second Court Case in two months highlights the horrendous abuse of women in the Irish sex trade
Another court case, which concluded today, once again highlighted the horrific abuse of women who were entrapped in the sex trade in this country. This is the second court case in just over two months, which has revealed the reality for so many women in similar circumstances. This case also shatters the massively false perception that there is some protection for women who are advertised on websites. Read full press release>
Stopping Traffic
The Irish Tatler Magazine interviews Ruhama in its feature article on the trafficking of women into the Irish sex trade.
Woman guilty of brothel keeping and prostitution
Irish Times by Barry Roche
Teen girls trafficked to Northern Ireland for a life of vice
Belfast Telegraph
Cameras filmed brothel activities, claims prosecution
Irish Examiner by Liam Heylin
Woman pleads guilty to brothel keeping
RTE News on the web
How this Irish businessman helped a Romanian pimp turn two girls into sex slaves
Sunday World by Eamon Dillon
Brothel keeper enters guilty plea
Irish Times
Accused made prostitute fiancee lick his shoes
Irish Examiner by Conor Gallagher
Accused threatened to starve prostitute
Irish Examiner by Conor Gallagher
Pimp laundered cash through credit union
Sunday Independent by Jerome Reilly
Midweek TV3
Presenter Collette Fitzpatrick talks to Ali Bracken, Crime Correspondent with the Sunday Tribune, about the recent case of TJ Carroll from Carlow, who was jailed for 7 years last month in Wales, for running a lucrative empire of brothels across the Republic and Northern Ireland. Report by Michael Ryan, TV 3.
Gerardine Rowley, Ruhama and Teresa Whitaker SWAI debate the issue of prostitution as work.
The happy hooker myth is a far cry from reality
The Carroll trafficking case sheds new light on the dark and violent world of the sex trade.
Sunday Independent by Jerome Reilly
Group helped women testify
Carlow People by Elizabeth Lee
Gardaí were tracking Carroll for many years
Carlow People by Elizabeth Lee
Women handed over a large percentage of their takings
Carlow People by Elizabeth Lee
Two more arrested in brothel ring inquiry as net widens
The Irish Independent by Tom Brady
Sadistic sex family jailed
The Sunday Times, South Africa by Nashira Davids
Madam of brothel sent €1m abroad in two years
Chinese prostitute lodged illegal earnings to bank in her homeland
The Sunday Independent by Jim Cusack
Police forces reveal delight at seeing Carroll brought to justice
Irish Examiner by Stephen Rogers
Irishman jailed for masterminding prostitution ring
The Irish Examiner by Stephen Rogers
Man and wife jailed over Irish prostitution network
The Irish Times by Conor Lally
Jail for couple who ran €70,000-a-week ring of 35 brothels
Irish Independent by Tom Brady and Laura Harding
Pembrokeshire based couple ran Irish prostitute ring
BBC News Wales
Gerardine Rowley, Ruhama says the Government needs to review the prostitution legislation in Ireland
RTE Six One News Click here to view >>
Carlow man sentenced for brothel network
RTE TV News reports by Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent
A 48-year-old Carlow man has been sentenced in Cardiff Crown Court to seven years in jail for controlling prostitution and money laundering.
Click here to view all RTE TV News reports >>
Click here to view Six One News >> Click here to view RTE Nine O Clock>>
Ruhama Press Release: Despicable abuse of women in Ireland highlighted in court case in UK
'This case, in which three people were sentenced to-day for prostitution related offences, highlights the despicable abuse of women and children in the Irish sex trade' said Gerardine Rowley PRO, Ruhama. 'Many people will be shocked and even find it hard to comprehend that in their town or street women were literally enslaved in apartments'.
Click here to read full press release >
Press Release issued by the Serious Organised Crime Agency UK
'SOCA and its partners are extremely grateful to have had the expertise of Ruhama in supporting the victims of this case and securing these convictions.' said Mark Philips, SOCA Deputy Director
Click here to read full press release >
Couple jailed after using trafficked girls in huge prostitution ring
The Guardian by Caroline Davies
Police stunned by suffering of women
Irish Examiner by Stephen Rogers
Carlow man to be sentenced in sex trafficking case
Irish Examiner by Stephen Rogers
Two fined after brothel raid in screen star's home village
The Sunday Independent by Maeve Sheehan
News: Guilty plea to controlling prostitution and money laundering
Thomas Carroll, 48, and his partner Shamiela Clark, 31, pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court today to controlling prostitution and money laundering.
Mr Carroll's 25 year old daughter Toma pleaded guilty to money laundering.
Sentencing is currently expected on 4 February.
(Press Release - SOCA UK)
Interview: 'Sex Workers'
The Pat Kenny Show, RTE Radio 1
Interview with Dr. Theresa Whittaker, Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland and Gerardine Rowley, Ruhama.
Interview: Prostitution is now rampant in rural Ireland
Feature article on Wired with Whelan by John Whelan
Interview: The 'happy hooker' myth a far cry from reality of sex trade
The Sunday Independent by John Whelan
