Sex workers have called for brothels to be decriminalised to safeguard women following the conviction of a serial rapist last week.
Hospital security guard Noel McKeon was jailed for 14 years on Monday for the rape and violent assault of two prostitutes in Dublin.
The Central Criminal Court heard one of the victims jumped naked from a window to get away from the 32-year-old as he tried to stab her.
Sex Workers Alliance Ireland said it wants to work with gardai and has hit out at legislation which criminalises brothels.
Spokeswoman Kate McGrew said: “Last year two migrant women were prosecuted for working together for safety, one of them was pregnant.
“Sex workers are not legally allowed to work together for safety.
“Attackers know if [sex] workers are working together it is considered a brothel.
“If a sex worker works alone this can make her more vulnerable to attacks. Criminals know this and target both workers alone or together.”
McKeon, formerly of Orchard Way, Greenwood, Dublin, attacked and robbed his victims after contacting them through an escorts website.
The assaults took place in June 2016 and February 2018 following consensual sex.
In one incident McKeon punched the woman, slammed her head against the door knob, and dragged her by the hair across the floor.
He then sexually assaulted and raped her. The woman managed to get on to the kitchen counter and escaped out a window as he tried to stab her.
In the second attack McKeon met another sex worker and they had consensual sex. He then demanded sex without a condom and punched her in the eye when she refused.
Welcoming McKeon’s 14-year jail term charity Ruhama said: “The conviction and sentencing is testament to the bravery of these women in coming forward.”
