Immigrant Council of Ireland welcomes recognition of vulnerable migrant women in new national strategy on domestic gender-based violence
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, 28th June 2022
Immigrant Council of Ireland welcomes recognition of vulnerable migrant women in new national strategy on domestic gender-based violence
The Immigrant Council of Ireland has welcomed the acknowledgement of the specific vulnerabilities of migrant women in situations of domestic violence, in the Government’s third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, which was published today (28.06.22) by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.
Commenting today, Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said: “At the Immigrant Council, we work in close collaboration with support agencies, migrant women’s groups and refuges supporting migrant women who are in situations of domestic abuse. That these women are recognised within this strategy as having particular vulnerabilities and specific needs is both welcome and much needed.
“While all situations of domestic and gender-based violence are complex and exhibit high levels of vulnerability, for women from a migrant background that vulnerability is often compounded by immigration status issues, language needs, cultural barriers and marginalisation.
“The reflection of this reality within the strategy is very positive and situates the needs of migrant women within our national response. Our approach to domestic violence as a country must take this into account, and it is vital that it is appropriately resourced.”
Human Trafficking and Prostitution
The strategy also outlined that human trafficking and prostitution will now be recognised as forms of gender-based violence.
Mr Killoran continued: “In Ireland, as is the case internationally, human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is the most prevalent form of exploitation of this nature. Women are most likely to be trafficked for these purposes. Traffickers commodify desperation, and offer a human life as a product to be exploited and profited from.
“Similarly, research has shown that the vast majority of women in commercial sexual exploitation in Ireland are women from a migrant background. Often, they are in precarious immigration situations or undocumented, and disempowered by their isolation and lack of options. That this strategy recognises this as a form of gender-based violence, and describes the need to develop ‘exit strategies’ for women to leave prostitution, as has been called for by the Immigrant Council and others, is of high importance. These strategies, once in place, will be crucial in assisting women to leave the world of prostitution behind.
“These are issues which the Immigrant Council of Ireland has campaigned for over several years, based on the direct experience of our clients at our Independent Law Centre. We commend Minister McEntee, the Department of Justice, the Government and our colleagues in civil society for the joint effort to create this strategy, but stress the implementation and resourcing of this area is of the highest importance to ensure it helps some of the most vulnerable women in our society.”
ENDS
Contact: Niamh Breathnach / Ciarán Garrett, Alice PR & Events, Tel: 085-1461231 / 087-7158912 Email: media@alicepr.com
Notes to Editors:
The Immigrant Council of Ireland is the leading national human rights organisation working to defend migrant rights in Ireland. It provides free immigration advice and legal support through its helpline and law centre, as well as campaigning for immigration reform. The Council also provides support to victims of racism and human trafficking, and provides opportunities for migrants to connect with each other and their communities. Visit www.immigrantcouncil.ie for more information.
The Immigrant Council’s Anti-Racism Support service is available online at www.immigrantcouncil.ie/reportracism .
Follow the Council on social media:
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