An organisation which offers health services and support to women working in prostitution was today celebrating it’s tenth year in operation.
The Women’s Health Project, which was launched in 1991, held a day-long conference today and released its new information leaflet to mark the event.
Speaking at the seminar the Minister of State for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Ms Mary Wallace, commended the work of the group and said it was important that women operating in prostitution received any help needed in a confidential and non-judgemental way.
She said it was important to remember that there was a variety of reasons why women entered prostitution, and said that some people "may be forced to do it - by a boyfriend or a partner".
Ms Wallace, who is chairperson of the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women, also highlighted the problem of discrimination for prostitutes who were victim to violence.
"Unfortunately violence and abuse occurs in every group in society, including prostitutes. Discrimination can create further barriers in giving women options and support to leaving violent partners".
Ms Wallace urged all women’s refuges to be sensitive to the particular issues facing women operating in prostitution.
The Project is financed by the Government and has recently received approval for £7 million in grants under the Equality for Women Measure of the National Development Plan.