Statement by UglyMugs.ie on the news that the body of a man was found yesterday after two female sex workers were falsely imprisoned and assaulted in Limerick

It is unfortunately the case that serious assaults on sex workers and victims of sex trafficking are extremely common in Ireland. These serious crimes are not unusual; they are happening on a daily or weekly basis.

UglyMugs.ie is an online sex worker safety scheme, which brings sex workers together to share information about potential dangers with each other. We are acutely aware that there are hundreds of men in Ireland who regularly attack people in sex work. It appears that the vast majority of these men are Irish nationals.

It is the view of UglyMugs.ie that the situation in Limerick specifically is compounded by the long-standing garda corruption around sex work and sex trafficking there. There is a problem in Limerick that far too many men committing these types of violent crimes appear to be protected by Gardaí.

UglyMugs.ie will not be commenting in more detail on any specific incidents of violence against sex workers. When sex workers make an ugly mug report, they do so in confidence to try to help other sex workers stay safe. The trauma of our community is not for public consumption as news content.

The State on the other-hand is obliged to take actions to prevent violence against marginalised groups in society. It should have taken an interest in violence against sex workers and victims of sex trafficking by now, but it has not. People engaged in sex work are over-policed and under protected by the Gardaí.

The Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, came to office with a pledge to focus on protecting the vulnerable. He has done nothing for people in sex work or victims of sex trafficking. Under his leadership violence in this area has increased dramatically. That is a stain that shall forever remain on his record as a chief police officer. The finger of blame needs also to be pointed directly at the Department of Justice, mostly under the direction of Minister for Justice Helen McEntee in recent years, for their similar inaction.

Statement ENDS. Undoubtedly the violence will continue as usual due to inaction. People in sex work will continue to demand justice.