The Ruhama service, which helps those affected by prostitution, saw a record number of women last year, despite a reduced capacity as a result of funding cuts.

According to the organisation's 2012 Annual Report, 258 women from 32 countries accessed its services last year.

Its ongoing in-depth advocacy and support services also resulted in over 900 face-to-face contacts with 170 women, more than 13,000 telephone calls and over 5,200 text messages.

"In addition, Ruhama's outreach van, which engages with women in street prostitution, went out on 108 nights, for over 413 hours and engaged with 62 women exclusively on the streets," explained Ruhama CEO, Sarah Benson.

She pointed out that while the organisation continues to work with many Irish women, ‘the majority of those in the indoor sex trade are migrant women'.

She also emphasised that Ireland ‘remains a destination for traffickers, pimps and procurers from all corners of the globe'.

"The bulk of prostitution in Ireland is connected with organised criminality. For the women and girls we work with - far from home, isolated and often highly controlled or literally coerced through trafficking - it is a dangerous and damaging experience. It is also beyond doubt that prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation are inextricably linked," Ms Benson insisted.

Ruhama responds to the needs of women in a range of ways, from advising them on health, immigration, housing and legal issues, to helping them with career planning.

Last year, 88 women accessed the organisation's education and development service - an increase of 14% compared to 2011.

"We are seeing an increased demand for our services in education, development and support in seeking work. This testifies to the fact that the majority of women involved in prostitution want to exit the life but to do so, need the necessary supports and assistance to create real alternatives, and overcome the systemic barriers that often hold women trapped in the sex trade," Ms Benson explained.

She emphasised that the work of Ruhama is vital to women affected by prostitution. However as the only dedicated NGO (non-governmental organisation) with the expertise and capacity to help those affected, ‘we are concerned that our work is merely reflecting the tip of the iceberg in terms of overall need'.

Ms Benson also called for more emphasis to be placed on the prevention of prostitution.

"Legislation and policing policy must create a hostile environment for traffickers, pimps and procurers who continue to encourage and exploit vulnerable women into Ireland's lucrative sex trade.

"At the same time policies towards those in prostitution must be compassionate and supportive, not punitive. We have to remember that for those women and girls - and indeed the smaller number of boys and men in prostitution - once trapped in the trade, exit and recovery can be exceedingly difficult," she explained.

She said this is particularly the case for people who find themselves far from home, with no family or friends, an uncertain legal status and possibly little or no language.

The 2012 Annual Report is being launched at a seminar on prostitution in Dublin today.