Improved protections for those trafficked for sexual exploitation start today
Today the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 comes into force, providing much-needed and long overdue improved protections for victims of trafficking.
Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said, “Women, children and men trafficked into Ireland for sexual exploitation will be better protected because the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 has come into effect today.
“The Immigrant Council of Ireland has supported dozens of trafficking victims in the last year and the horror of their experience cannot be overstated. With this legislation we have the tools to ensure they are never, ever the focus of criminal investigations and instead it is the pimps and traffickers who are targeted.
“Equally important alongside the commencement of this legislation is the introduction of a safe and supported path to exit and reintegrate into society. The legislation cannot be fully effective without this piece and we look forward to working alongside the Government and other agencies to deliver real change.”
Note to editors
On Monday 27 March 2017 Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and most of Part 8 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 commenced.