Victims of human trafficking often don't know they have been trafficked until it's too late.

That's according to Ruhama, the national charity supporting women impacted by prostitution and human trafficking, which has seen a sharp rise in demand for support services.

The charity says it supported 30% more women impacted by prostitution and human trafficking for sexual exploitation last year than the previous year.

It also saw a 29% increase in new victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Its annual report outlines that 108 people accessed Ruhama's trauma and counselling service in 2023 - a significant 31% rise on the previous year.

Victims of human trafficking who engaged with Ruhama last year. Source: Ruhama

Ruhama CEO Barbara Condon says some women are exploited by men they know.

"Some people would not be aware they were victims of human trafficking because they were coerced and groomed sometimes by boyfriends through the loverboy method," she said.

"They arrive here thinking they're about to start a new job [and] a new life and before they know it the nightmare of having to perform sexual acts with several men begins".

Ms Condon said the majority of victims are migrant women.

"The highest concentration has been from Nigeria, from Brazil and from Zimbabwe," she said.

"90% are migrant women and the other 10% would be Irish - but we would also have concern about the amount of Irish women that are hidden.

"Human trafficking is hidden in plain sight".

The charity has also announced former Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald as its new ambassador.

Main image: A woman looks out of a window. Image: Islandstock / Alamy