Ireland

Housing crisis 'putting vulnerable sex workers at risk'

The national average rent was €1,122 per month in December, according to the RTB Rent Index 
The national average rent was €1,122 per month in December, according to the RTB Rent Index  The national average rent was €1,122 per month in December, according to the RTB Rent Index 

THE Republic's housing crisis is putting vulnerable sex workers at risk from exploitative landlords, activists have said.

A lack of affordable rented accommodation is compounded by some workers' inability to provide proof of income or employment history.

Kate McGrew, from Sex Workers Alliance Ireland, said women and men are placing themselves in potentially dangerous situations due to a lack of housing options.

"People are struggling to find somewhere to live as it is, imagine what it's like for a sex worker," she said.

"Our phones are flooded with people saying they have been offered flats, and they have to take them because they have no other option.

"We talk to workers daily who when they show up to those places and the door isn't even locked, the so-called landlord comes over because he wants free sex from the worker, to rape the worker.

"It's that much worse for everybody during a housing crisis and sex workers are already at the bottom of the pile.

"People who work for Google can't even find a house."

The RTB Rent Index reports the national average rent was €1,122 per month in December.

Dublin remains the most expensive place with average monthly prices now at €1,620.