The so-called sex-for-rent crisis is a symptom of Ireland’s spiralling housing emergency, a crisis that disproportionately harms women.
The so-called ‘sex-for-rent’ crisis is a symptom of Ireland’s spiralling housing emergency, a crisis that disproportionately harms women, particularly vulnerable international students and migrant workers. It is also a glaring example of the state’s failure to protect them, writes Roe McDermott., there is still no specific law against landlords and predators coercing women into sex in exchange for a place to live.
Ireland’s housing crisis has pushed vulnerable tenants – particularly international students, women, and foreign nationals – into increasingly precarious living conditions. Skyrocketing rents, substandard housing, and lack of tenant protections have created a situation where exploitation flourishes. The ICOS report highlights disturbing cases of students being propositioned for sex in exchange for accommodation. A female student from Mexico shared her experience, reporting that “I posted on social media that I was looking for a room to rent and received two responses from men saying they had a room to rent and asking me what I could offer in exchange, one of them directly said that I could sleep with him, he then sent some obscene images.
Brazilian student Brazilian Ana Paula Viana notes that this isn’t simple exploitation – it is a gendered crisis of exploitation that can also be racialised. Ana believes that racist attitudes towards Latina women can fuel this form of misogyny and exploitation. “People in general sexualise us as women,” she told Sky News. “Some men take advantage because we are from Latin America, they think we are dying for any place, or we are poor or something like that.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
County in mourning as five-time All-Ireland winner passesThe 88-year-old won All-Irelands both as a goalkeeper and a forward.
Read more »
All-Ireland winner says Kilkenny 'not churning out same players' amid droughtThe Rower-Inistioge man won four All-Irelands with Kilkenny and feels that they are now 'relying on the old guard an awful lot more than we should'.
Read more »
Relegation Looms for Mayo and TyroneNiall Morgan, Tyrone's goalkeeper, discusses the importance of the upcoming clash against Mayo in the context of relegation worries. While relegation was once a significant concern, recent success stories like Dublin and Armagh winning All-Irelands from Division Two have shifted perspectives. Morgan emphasizes the need to peak in the All-Ireland stages rather than solely focusing on League performance. He acknowledges that both teams have struggled since their 2021 All-Ireland final encounter, attributing it to a decline in standards and a complacency born from previous successes.
Read more »
Alarming Housing Conditions Expose International Students to 'Sex for Rent' Exploitation in IrelandA recent study by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) reveals the distressing reality faced by international students in Ireland, particularly concerning the exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking affordable accommodation. The study uncovered a disturbing trend of 'sex for rent' with women reporting offers and advertisements for housing in exchange for sexual favors. ICOS urges for immediate legislative action to address this issue and improve the overall housing situation for international students in Ireland.
Read more »
Sex-for-Rent Offers Targeted at International Students in IrelandA new report by the Irish Council for International Students reveals that 5% of female international student respondents have been propositioned or seen ads for sex-for-rent arrangements. The report highlights the vulnerability of international students, many of whom are not native English speakers, to exploitation within the housing crisis. The CEO of the Council, Senator Laura Harmon, is calling on the government to introduce specific legislation to ban these arrangements.
Read more »
Sex for Rent Offers Plague International Students in IrelandA survey reveals a disturbing trend of 'sex for rent' offers to female international students struggling to find accommodation in Ireland.
Read more »