A survey of drug-using sex workers in Dublin has found that almost 80 per cent have Hepatitis C and a fifth are HIV positive.
Drug Use, Sex Work and the Rick Environment in Dublin, produced by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and launched today, examined the experiences of 35 drug users who were or had been involved in the sex industry.
The study found sex work is becoming less visible in Dublin because workers are using mobile phones and the internet to contact clients. And lower visibility has meant service providers such as homelessness services have found it more difficult to offer them the support they need, the report said.
The average age of the 31 women and four men surveyed was 29. Some 88 per cent were on methadone and were also using other drugs including heroin and benzodiazepines. Some 78 per cent had Hepatitis C, a blood borne virus which effects the liver and a fifth were HIV positive.
Over 60 per cent were homeless and all had experienced physical assault at some stage during the course of their work.
They largely came from "marginalised communities", the study found and moved continually through drug and alcohol services, homeless hostels, the judicial system and other social care agencies.
On average, they began drug use at the age of 13. They typically became involved in the sex industry to solve their economic problems and many were introduced to it by a friend. Only three of the 35 said they had been coerced into the industry.
Researcher Dr Teresa Whitaker said a dominant theme to emerge from the field work was that drug-using sex workers are vulnerable people with complex and multiple needs.
"To enable individuals to effectively reduce their risk of harm, interventions toward the broader risk environment such as poverty, housing, health, educational needs and employment prospects are imperative."
The report was launched by Minister of State with Responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, John Curran.
