A group who supports sex workers in Ireland has warned against the stalking behaviour of another group who reported three brothels operating in Cavan Town. Earlier this week, Northern Sound reported that up to five females were selling sex from three locations in Cavan. The information came from a group called "Escort Ireland Watch" who monitor pop-up brothels across Ireland.
As way of evidence the group sent screenshots of text messages purporting to be between five different females and an anonymous texter trying to arrange meet-ups. In a statement, Escort Ireland Watch said they sent the information to local news, politicians, and the Gardaí in the hope they will act "to make our communities safer."
When we contacted An Garda Síochána a spokesperson said they regularly engage with people working in the sex trade and carry out safeguarding checks which help officers identify vulnerable individuals who may be sexually exploited, trafficked or under threat. Gardaí also said selling sex is not a crime in Ireland, although purchasing it is.
Since then the Sex Workers Alliance Ireland contacted Northern Sound to say that the work of the group exposing sex workers' locations is dangerous to the women involved who are doing nothing illegal. Linda Kavanagh works with SWAI, which works to develop and strengthen the human rights of sex workers:
