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Services & Campaigns

Introduction

Ruhama is a voluntary organization; we work with women affected by prostitution and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation.

Our philosophy is the dignity of each person and through our services we help women realize their dignity; - a dignity which may have been lost through women's experiences of sexual objectification and abuse.

We reach out to women by making contact, building relationships and addressing the difficult reality facing women with experiences of prostitution and sex trafficking.

We work with women who are involved in street based or off street prostitution, including escort agencies.

Most of the women we meet who are currently involved in prostitution would like to leave the life but dont know how to or don't have the supports necessary to help them exit. Ruhama provides a range of supports to help women exit and reintegrate into mainstream society.

We have changed our services over the years to address the changing profile of women affected by prostitution. Within the last decade our client group has changed from been predominately Irish to the majority being migrant women. Most of these women were trafficked into prostitution in Ireland but a significant number were trafficked or prostituted into other countries but escaped to Ireland. Now while living here, they have sourced Ruhama for help.

Outreach

Ruhama's outreach team proactively makes contact with women involved in prostitution.

The Street Outreach Service has a van on the streets at night in areas where prostitution takes place. The van is designed to create a space for women who want to talk to project workers or avail of hot drinks provided.

Women may request follow-up support such as befriending, advocacy and counselling. This support may take place in homes, hostels, Ruhama or a neutral venue.

Outreach also takes place in the Women's Health Service (a HSE clinic to women involved in prostitution) and the women's prison (Dochas Centre).

Advocacy

Ruhama's expertise and experience in working with and for women involved in prostitution allows us to act as effective advocates on their behalf.

It often requires liaising with other agencies or professionals on a variety of issues which might include housing, social welfare or drug addiction.

Workers accompany women to court, health care appointments or meetings with statutory agencies.

Accompaniment

We offer accompaniment and support to women who are suspected victims of crime as they participate in the criminal justice system (ie victims of sexual violence and sex trafficking)

We also offer court accompaniment to women involved in prostitution and who find themselves within the criminal justice system.

Befriending

Befriending is individually tailored to the women's current needs. It may entail practical, emotional or social support.

At Ruhama we aim to support in a way that empowers each woman to take responsibility for her life.

The ethos underpinning the work is to respond to each woman in a non-judgmental manner. The befriending is responsive to the ever-changing needs of each woman.

The support of volunteers is an essential element in this and all other areas of our work.

Counselling

Ruhama provides counselling to those who request it. This service can be provided at the Ruhama Centre or in a venue suitable to the woman.

Counselling offers new possibilities, change and choice. Ruhama offers counselling which is totally confidential. Our counsellors are fully trained and experienced.

Women will be supported in choosing the type of counselling most appropriate to their needs. The contract may be short or long term.

Development/Education Programmes

In the Ruhama Development Section, each woman's education programme is planned and designed to match her needs and abilities. Women can choose as a first, step one-to-one classes, before engaging in group learning.

At Ruhama, women avail of education as a means of building their self-esteem, developing new interests and acquiring the skills needed for the workplace.

Women can choose to attend classes at our centre, or with our support can access education and training in their local area.

We arrange mentoring support where women are engaging in new areas of study. We also support women who wish to take up third level studies.

Like all of Ruhama's services, entry into the Development programmes are not conditional on the women exiting prostitution and we offer support to women whether they are currently involved in prostitution or have exited the life.

Development Programmes include the following:

Holistic Therapies

Ruhama offers a variety of therapies to women

� Counselling

� Art therapy

� Reflexology

� Stress Management

� Relaxation

All therapies are provided free of charge to the service user.

Computers

With the business world becoming increasingly technology-reliant, computers and IT skills classes are always in demand by women trying to enter the workforce.

Often computer classes are chosen by women as part of their pre-entry into education.

Women have gone on to complete several levels of FETAC Word Processing Modules.

English

An increasing number of women accessing Ruhama's service over the last decade do not have English as their mother tongue and some have no English at all. Ruhama empowers migrant women by providing English classes to help them integrate into mainstream society and further their educational opportunities.

Literacy

Some women accessing Ruhama were early school leavers and benefit from attending literacy classes. These classes contribute towards rebuilding their self esteem and help them move into further education.

Art

The art classes help women develop their creative abilities and can be an opportunity for relaxation.

Third Level Education

Study support has been given to women in third level education.

SUPPORT SERVICE TO WOMEN EXITING PROSTITUTION

1. Exiting Programmes for Women who are Currently Involved in Prostitution

Most of the women we meet who are currently involved in prostitution would like to leave the life but don't know how to or don't have the supports necessary to help them exit.

Ruhama's Development programmes are a critical component in helping women leave prostitution and reintegrate into mainstream society.

All programmes in Development are tailored to match the individual woman's needs and abilities. Women can avail of Personal Development, Counselling, Education and Skills Training.

Many participants have entered mainstream employment following success in their studies.

2. Integration and Resettlement Programmes to Women who have

Exited Prostitution.

Ruhama helps women to rebuild their lives after leaving prostitution; this includes Irish women and women who have been trafficked across international borders into prostitution.

Programmes to assist integration and resettlement:-

� Personal development

� Life Skills

� Counselling and alternative therapies

� Woman can avail of key-worker one to one support

� Advocacy; we advocate on behalf of women to relevant services i.e.

Gardai, courts, welfare, social and residency services

� Support in accessing private accommodation

� Help with claiming benefits

� Budgeting

� Education provided by Ruhama or support in accessing education locally

(nationwide)

� Skills training

� Cookery & nutrition

� Support in CV writing and job seeking

� Social integration; A one-to-one befriending service is offered to women

to address the social isolation resulting from prostitution. The

Development team also organize social outings and events.

3. Ongoing Support for Women with a History of Prostitution

Ruhama also provides support to women who have a history of prostitution and who do not want to return to the life.

One to one key-worker support is provided along with counselling and skills training.

Because of the stigma of prostitution women often feel they have no where to go to talk about the issues relating to their experience in prostitution.

Ruhama provides an experienced, non-judgemental, confidential support service to women with a history of prostitution.