Opinion: Housing crisis is forcing women into sexual exploitation in every county, including Kilkenny

The National Women’s Council (NWC), recently launched a report examining how women in extreme housing difficulty are being forced to choose between sexual exploitation and homelessness.

The NWC is calling for the introduction of solid legislation to deter landlords who are engaging in sex-for-rent exploitation. Sex for rent is where a landlord offers accommodation at a discount or for free, in return for sexual ‘services’ from the tenant. 

Although there is little in-depth research on the prevalence of this form of sexual exploitation, we do know that the landlords offering these arrangements are mainly men and those targeted are mainly women. There is evidence of young men being targeted also by men, but this is to a lesser extent. We also know that this is happening in every county in Ireland, including Kilkenny.

A perfect storm 
This is a perfect storm for vulnerable young people amid a severe and deepening housing crisis across Ireland. The Department of Housing recorded 282 homeless people in the South-East in March 2024. Of those cases 87 access private emergency accommodation. With the growing number of people now more than ever living in the private rental sector, the available houses for rent have significantly decreased.

Those renting a room in a landlord’s house under the tax relief scheme may be more vulnerable to this type of exploitation according to the NWC. With poor legal protections for those in these types of rental situations, coupled with the increased costs of living and rising rents, opportunistic landlords are taking full advantage of the situation as it lies in their favour. 

Marginalised women and those who find themselves in difficult positions are the most likely to be impacted by this type of exploitation. In particular, those stuck in direct provision, or with insecure immigration status, those who have had to leave the family home due to unsafe living conditions and women without adequate housing options due to market availability and financial constraints.

Students are also a vulnerable cohort, particularly international students. Research this year by The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) found that one in 20 international students had either been offered a sex-for-rent arrangement or had seen such arrangements being advertised in their endeavour to find accommodation. Orla O’Connor, director of the NWC has described sex for rent as 'damaging, degrading and dehumanising' for those caught in this bind.

Criminalisation
As it currently stands the practice of sex for rent and the placing of advertising for such arrangements are not a criminal offence. 

Unlike prostitution in Ireland, there is no criminalisation of the sex purchaser in sex for rent despite the clear parallels between sex for rent and exploitation in prostitution.   Regardless of whether the payment is in money or accommodation, it can be argued that the consent that is given to engage in these arrangements is compromised and not ‘freely given’ which is at the heart of the concept of consent. 

In both cases, the decision to engage in these acts is underpinned by an obvious power imbalance and made from a place of poverty or vulnerability, with the absence of alternative options. 

Sex for rent arrangements exploit vulnerable individuals, offering free or reduced-cost housing in exchange for sexual services. This predatory practice highlights severe flaws in housing security and legal protections in Ireland. Addressing this issue requires stricter laws, increased support for victims, and raising awareness about tenants' rights and safety.

Individuals who find themselves being propositioned or suspect they know someone who may be abused in this manner in  Kilkenny should report this to the Gardai. Support is also available from the Kilkenny Rape Crisis Centre KASA. 

For more information, visit www.kasa.ie or call 1800-478478 or 056-7751555