Training scheme to help sex-trafficking victims
A new FÁS-funded training scheme has been set up to help women involved in prostitution and suspected victims of sex trafficking integrate back into society, it was revealed today.
The pilot project, the first of its kind, is designed to act as a bridging mechanism providing the women with educational modules and career guidance and prepare them for possible further training.
Some 17 people are currently taking part in the course, which runs until October. Just one woman is from Ireland while the rest are from areas ranging from Africa to Eastern Europe.
Sarah Benson, the chief executive of support group Ruhama, said it is hoped the scheme will continue beyond the pilot phase.
She said: “For FÁS, because ordinarily you have to meet certain eligibility criteria... to take this step is a hugely positive outreach that they’re doing in terms of trying to connect with those who are in that position to try and bridge into mainstream Fetac education.
“A serious consequence of engaging people in courses where they aren’t actually ready yet is that they are set up to fail.”
At a briefing on sex trafficking Ms Benson said FÁS has provided just over €100,000 in funding for the scheme, which began in January.
The women are provided with a range of courses, including English, literacy, computers, sewing and creative writing, as well as assertiveness work and yoga.
Meanwhile Marion Walsh, executive director of the anti-human trafficking unit at the Department of Justice, said that since the beginning of 2009, 10 people have been prosecuted for offences related to human trafficking linked to Ireland.
The bulk of those have been on foot of evidence transferred from Ireland to other jurisdictions.
In Ireland one person was last year convicted of attempting to traffic a child for sexual exploitation and sentenced to six years – but Ms Walsh said the Director of Public Prosecutions is appealing against the sentence, arguing it is too lenient.
Other cases include three people convicted in Romania of trafficking for labour exploitation to Ireland.
Sentences ranging from five to seven years were imposed.
