Four Sex-Workers Over 60 Availed HSE Sexual Health Support Service Last Year

Wednesday, 16 February 2022 15:15

By Caoimhe Harney

File image: National Women's Council Of Ireland

132 people in total used the service.

9 sex-workers over the age of 50 availed of a HSE support service last year.

According to freedom of information figures, a total of 132 women were seen by the service in 2021.

The HSE's Women’s Health Service is a sexual health and outreach support service for women and trans-women involved in the sex trade.

It includes sexual-health testing, treatment and contraception, along with help for women to leave the sex industry.

122 women and 10 trans-women availed of the service last year.

Of those who availed of the Women's Health Service last year, 80 of the 132 were aged between 26 and 40.

But 15 were in their 50s, and four were aged between 60 and 79.

Four sex-workers over the age of 60 availed of a HSE support service last year.

It's a sexual health and outreach support service for people in the sex trade.

Mia De Faoite, from the National Women's Council, was involved in prostitution in Dublin for six years - she's urging other people to leave the trade.

"I was involved in the sex trade yes, for 6 years.

"I couldn't even describe the things that I have witnessed.

"It's extremely violent, and sex act buyers can do what they wish to do on us.

"When I was there I wouldn't have reported my rapes.

"We are also aware of what the world thinks of us and there wouldn't be a lot of empathy.

"I became addicted to heroin, It was so far removed from what I once was.

"I thought I would make some money and then go to rehab.

"That lasted six year," she added.

"On average everyday there are 650 women on pimping websites, and there are many who are not on the websites," she explained.

Mia De Faoite spoke to Ciara Noble on Wednesday's Kildare Focus: