Christian Charity Demands Crackdown on Sex Trafficking Websites Operating in Northern Ireland
CARE NI Calls for Enforcement as 300 Women Advertised Daily on Illegal Pimping Platforms
A Christian charity has urged action against pimping websites operating in Northern Ireland as a new inquiry examines the harm such platforms cause to women and girls. CARE NI has welcomed the inquiry by the All Party Group on Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation and called for stronger enforcement of existing laws to tackle online sexual exploitation.
Jessica McDowell, policy officer at CARE NI, highlighted the scale of the problem: "On any given day, over 300 women can be advertised for sale on pimping websites in Northern Ireland. This is illegal. The law is clear: purchasing sex is a crime. If that law were enforced, demand would reduce, and women and girls would receive better protection. It is time for action to be taken on the criminal gangs profiting from exploiting women online."
Inquiry Launched on Anniversary of Law Making Sex Buying Illegal
The inquiry launch coincides with the eleventh anniversary of Northern Ireland's human trafficking legislation, which made buying sex illegal in January 2015. It uses the Nordic model, which criminalizes the purchase of sexual services while offering support to women trying to escape exploitation.
Peter Martin MLA, Chair of the APG, said the inquiry is urgently needed. "Commercial sexual exploitation is a reality within our society, and pimping websites have facilitated this exploitation. This inquiry will work towards exposing these platforms, which have often hidden behind the veil of empowerment and safety."
Lord Morrow, who proposed the 2015 Bill, said the law is about protection. "Over ten years ago, the Northern Ireland Assembly took a courageous and bold step against those who seek to exploit women and girls. The Nordic Model is about protection from commodification and exploitation."
A Sky News investigation in June 2025 found thousands of potential signs of sexual exploitation on two of the UK's largest pimping websites, revealing that repeated phone numbers and duplicated advert text suggested trafficking networks.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
These platforms facilitate modern slavery.
They profit from selling human beings.
And they hide behind claims of empowerment while women are exploited.
Shut down the websites.
Arrest the traffickers.
Prosecute the buyers.
Protect the victims.
Or admit the law is performative theater while women suffer.
TAKE ACTION
Combat Sex Trafficking: • CARE Northern Ireland: www.care-ni.org/donate (advocates for trafficking victims) • Email: info@care-ni.org | Phone: +44 (0)28 9077 0783
Support Trafficking Survivors: • International Justice Mission: www.ijm.org/donate (fights sex trafficking globally) • Email: contact@ijm.org | Phone: 1-703-465-5495
Victim Rescue: • A21: www.a21.org/donate (rescues and restores trafficking victims) • Email: info@a21.org
What You Can Do Today: • Contact Northern Ireland Assembly members demanding enforcement of sex buying laws and shutdown of pimping websites • Report suspected trafficking websites to police and advocacy organizations • Support CARE NI's campaign to pressure law enforcement into action against online exploitation • Pray for the 300 women advertised daily on Northern Ireland trafficking websites • Educate church communities about the Nordic Model and how it protects women when properly enforced • Demand tech platforms and hosting services remove sex trafficking websites from their services
