COMPANIES TOLD OF LINK TO SEX TRADE
A charity urged Irish companies to use their "corporate responsibility" and shun lap-dancing clubs.
Edel Kennedy wrote the following article in The Irish Independent
The charity has highlighted the links between lap-dancing and the global sex trade including prostitution, trafficking and abuse.
Ruhama, a group that helps women who engage in prostitution, is now targeting companies in a hard-hitting campaign designed to discourage them from using lap-dancing services to entertain corporate clients.
The charity claims Irish lap-dancing clubs are contacting corporate clients for business and it has asked companies to sign up to a charter agreeing not to use the club's services.
The charter states: "We, the undersigned, agree that it is not acceptable for any employee to enter lap-dancing venues while representing the company and in addition they shall not be allowed to use company monies to pay for drinks, food or any other services in these venues. "Charity spokesperson Geraldine Rowley said almost 40 companies had already signed the charter while others had pledged money to help in their campaign and the general service they provide.
She pointed out that 95pc of dancers and 90pc of indoor prostitutes are non-nationals, with most coming from Eastern Europe.
Ruhama believes clients have little knowledge of how these women get here, how they are controlled, how they are paid and the dangers they confront. Others are moved from town to town and country to country with little control over their lives "Lap-dancing is not innocent fun as portrayed by its controlling g owners," Ms Rowley said. "Naive women, desperate for money, are lured, coerced and tricked into dancing and groomed for prostitution.
"We've spoken to more than 100 women who have fallen for the promise of easy cash and a job in a new country. A number of those ended up in prostitution." Ireland has a growing sex industry and there is a huge expansion in trafficking.
"Lap-dancing is part of the sex industry; businesses need to see it as part of prostitution and the growing phenomenon of trafficking."
There is believed to be more than seven lap-dancing clubs nationwide. String-fellows in Dublin closed its doors just a few weeks after Ruhama contacted companies with information on the charter project. The charity supported the local residents who picketed the Parnell Street club.
"We became aware of increasing efforts by lap-dancing clubs to attract corporate support and decided to tell the corporate sector what the lap-dancing industry really entails," said Ms Rowley.
"It is well established as part and parcel of the global sex industry."
For 17 years the charity has worked with women involved in prostitution and sexual exploitation, providing a range of services. It helps them "realize their dignity".
Website www.Ruhama.ie
Email admin@ruhama.ie
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