Charity warns that trafficking survivors are housed unsafely in Ireland's direct provision system

Ruhama, which assists women affected by prostitution and commercial sexual exploitation, saw a 31 % increase in trafficking-victim clients last year, reaching 284 women in 2025. Chief executive Barbara Condon warned that a large share of these survivors are being housed in congregated direct-provision settings, which she called inappropriate and detrimental to their recovery. The charity stressed the need for safe, specialist accommodation, arguing that without it, rebuilding lives is nearly impossible.

Data show Nigerian women constitute the biggest group of victims, followed by those from Zimbabwe and Ireland. Ruhama also recorded a 77 % jump in suicide-prevention requests and highlighted broader challenges such as the housing crisis, unsuitable homes, and immigration decisions that increase vulnerability to exploitation.