{
  "id": 15513637,
  "title": "Concern over lack of housing for sex trafficking victims",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/concern-over-lack-of-housing-for-sex-trafficking-victims",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T23:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/1019/1595888-sex-trafficking-accomodation/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Concerns have been expressed over the insufficient housing options available for sex trafficking victims in Ireland. The charity Ruhama has highlighted the need to prioritize this issue, as many victims are being placed in direct provision. Depaul has confirmed that a dedicated unit for women identified as potential victims of human trafficking, known as Rosa s Place, has closed. However, there are plans to reopen the unit pending Budget approval. The eight-bed unit was previously considered inadequate for the level of need by women trafficked to Ireland. Trafficking in Persons reports have consistently described the Irish government's framework for providing accommodation to victims as inadequate. Ruhama's CEO, Barbara Condon, emphasized that without a secure place to live, it is nearly impossible for women to rebuild their lives. The charity reported a significant increase in the number of trafficking victims seeking its services in 2025, with 284 out of 1,242 individuals engaged being victims of human trafficking, representing a rise of over 30%. Accommodation was identified as a major challenge in 2025, alongside other issues such as IPAS transfers and homelessness. Victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation came from 28 different nationalities, with the majority being from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Additionally, there was a 77% increase in cases of supporting service users with suicide prevention. Former justice minister Frances Fitzgerald, who is an ambassador for Ruhama, emphasized the need for sustained political leadership and cooperation at national, EU, and international levels to address this issue.",
  "summary": "Concern has been raised over the lack of specialist accommodation in the state for victims of sex trafficking.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}