A mother, Léna, has been enduring a two-year nightmare as she searches for her daughter, Marie, who was ensnared by a prostitution ring at just 12 years old. This alarming issue, exacerbated by online exploitation and organized networks, highlights the struggles faced by families and authorities in combating minor prostitution. Victims often do not recognize themselves as such due to psychological manipulation. The surge in cases and the challenge of enforcing laws against such exploitation continues to devastate families.
A Mother’s Heartache: The Struggle Against Minor Prostitution
For over two years, Léna has been enduring an unimaginable nightmare. This devoted mother has watched in despair as her daughter, Marie, was ensnared by a prostitution ring at the tender age of 12. “We never expect to face such a horrific reality. No one is prepared to encounter these shocking images or hear these devastating words. We convince ourselves that it could never happen to us, especially since I work as a nurse and have been involved in preventive efforts,” she shares.
The Horrifying Reality of Online Exploitation
Marie has seemingly vanished from the face of the earth, untraceable for months after falling victim to predators on social media. Léna has left no stone unturned in her quest to locate her daughter. “We are no longer just mothers; we have become night watchmen, detectives, and therapists. We pose as clients and do everything possible to find her. Every day, we live with the dread that we might receive a call informing us that Marie has been found dead,” she laments.
This heartbreaking story is not an isolated case. The first national plan to combat child prostitution, released in late 2021, estimated that there are “between 7,000 and 10,000” victims across the country. The rise of specialized websites featuring classified ads for paid sexual encounters has made it increasingly difficult to verify the ages of individuals involved, leaving the French judicial system powerless against these platforms, many of which operate from Canada.
Once an initial online connection is made, pimps arrange clandestine meetings in budget hotels. It was in one such establishment in Val-d’Oise that 12-year-old Inès was forced into prostitution. Surveillance footage reveals her wearing children’s pajamas, highlighting the tragic reality of her situation. Under coercion, escape was not an option. Her lawyer, Me Christian Gallon, explains, “This all began when she was approached by a friend who manipulated her into believing she could earn a significant amount of money.”
Each day, a steady stream of clients frequented the hotel, overseen by young organizers aged just 20 and 21. “They are responsible for booking the rooms and placing the ads. These are well-organized networks; they are fully aware of how the system operates and surely know the ages of the girls, despite their denials,” the lawyer asserts. Five men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement, ranging from 24 to 35 years old, with various occupations such as restaurateurs, paramedics, and accountants.
Hotel managers often find themselves powerless against these illicit activities. “We ask them where they are heading. They provide room numbers, and we intervene. We tell them such activities are not tolerated here, and some even attempt to sneak in through emergency exits. We do everything to remove them from the property,” explains a hotel professional who frequently resorts to calling the police. However, by the time authorities arrive, the minors often refuse to admit what is happening.
“Victims often do not see themselves as such; they believe they are consenting to their situation. There is a profound psychological and digital manipulation at play, as they constantly communicate through encrypted messaging about their activities, client numbers, and earnings,” comments Lénaïg Le Bail, head of the Central Office for the Suppression of Human Trafficking (OCRTEH), under the National Directorate of the Judicial Police.
Sixteen-year-old L. recounts her harrowing experience of being kidnapped for prostitution. “They forced me into a car, shut the door, and there were blankets, girls’ clothing, and shampoo in the back seat.” She recalls being drugged with nitrous oxide and enduring a week of being exploited by numerous clients. “I was in a state of paralysis, unable to speak, scream, or say stop. They sold me; these were people who profited from selling girls,” she remembers, visibly shaken.
Fortunately, thanks to the swift action of law enforcement, L. was located just 500 kilometers from her home. However, her mother continues to grapple with the emotional fallout: “My daughter will never be the same, and that breaks my heart. As a mother, I feel like I’ve died inside. But the most important thing is that my daughter is here.” The pimp responsible has been apprehended and is currently in provisional detention, while investigators face a daunting task, as the number of cases related to minor prostitution has surged tenfold since 2015.