🔍💡 Prostitution system in France: precise data to better identify, protect and care for victims, particularly minors. #prostitution #SexualViolence
🚨📊 Clients of prostitutes, pimps, digital exploitation: a national letter to equip health, social and justice teams against new forms of control. #FightSexualExploitation #ChildProtection
📌 The document provides a structured view of the prostitution system, useful for health, social and child protection professionals to identify, guide and protect victims, particularly minors.
It specifies national data, mechanisms of control, health effects and systems (PSP, CDLP, client placements), which directly informs identification, support and reporting practices.
It is particularly mobilisable by multidisciplinary teams (social workers, nurses, psychologists, educators, magistrates, law enforcement) to articulate field action and the abolitionist legal framework.
Source: 📒 The prostitution system in France
✍️ National Observatory of Violence Against Women (ONVF), Interministerial Mission for the Protection of Women Against Violence and the Fight Against Human Trafficking (Miprof). April 206
📜🔗LINK to the source
Number of pages: 68
1. Analytical summary
Context, scope and transformations of the prostitution system
Letter No. 27 places the analysis of the prostitution system within the ten years since the law of 13 April 2016 and the national strategy to combat the prostitution system adopted in 2024. It reminds us that prostitution is defined as a system of domination and exploitation, rather than a sum of individual choices, with a strong feminisation of victims and an increasing reliance on digital means. The document highlights the rise of minor prostitution, described as one of the most alarming manifestations of the phenomenon, with trajectories marked by previous violence, social vulnerabilities, and mental health issues. Consolidated data (police, justice, 119, 3919, National Education, associations) show a phenomenon that is only partially visible, with a significant gap between reality and statistics due to under-reporting and the digitisation of prostitution practices. The text emphasises the collective responsibility towards human dignity, as well as the central role of perpetrators and clients in perpetuating the system.
Operational contributions for identification, support, sanction and prevention
The document provides a detailed corpus of key figures (major and minor victims, those implicated, convictions, exit pathways, court activity, client awareness courses) and qualitative analyses from major associations (Amicale du Nid, Mouvement du Nid, Bus des Femmes, D’Antilles et D’Ailleurs, etc.). It concretely describes the existing systems: exit pathways from prostitution (PSP), departmental commissions (CDLP), client awareness courses, sexual education actions, detection and reporting systems in the National Education, helplines 3919 and 119. A detailed focus on health shows the extent of psychotraumatic, somatic, and gynaecological disorders, as well as the barriers to accessing care highlighted notably by the ASPIRE study from Mouvement du Nid. The Letter finally proposes action priorities: strengthening exit pathways, amplifying training for professionals, intensifying the fight against digital forms of exploitation, and improving the legal response towards pimps and clients who exploit prostitutes. For local actors, it serves as a working basis to design territorial diagnostics, training, reporting protocols, and intersectoral cooperation.
2. Key points of the document
A structured, feminised, and digitised system of domination (p.5–8, 17–19, 27–30)
The Letter reminds us that prostitution is analysed as a system of domination and sexual exploitation, massively directed against women and girls, which is transforming under the influence of digital technology (advertisement sites, social networks, short-term rentals, online payments, AI for advertisements). It emphasises the centrality of pimps and clients in the economy of predation, and the systemic dimension of the gender-based violence at play.
Consolidated national data on adult and minor victims (p.11–13, 19–23)
The key figures for 2026 indicate 1,584 individuals implicated for pimping or criminal involvement in prostitution, 4,677 adult victims and approximately 2,983 minor victims (pimping and involvement), with a strong overrepresentation of girls. The document also details 135 victims identified by 119 for sexual exploitation in 2024, and 249 prostitution victims identified by 3919 in 2025, a significant portion of whom are young people under 20.
Health focus: massive impacts, need for specialised care (p.27–30, 28, 30)
The ASPIRE study shows that nearly 7 out of 10 respondents report between one and six health problems, including mental health issues (post-traumatic stress, depression, sleep disorders), somatic and gynaecological problems, and frequent use of medication to sleep. More than half have already had an abortion, while a notable portion report not knowing how to access it, illustrating a deficit in health literacy and access to rights.
Exit pathways and territorial systems (PSP, CDLP, diagnostics) (p.33–38)
Since 2017, 2,547 people have benefited from an exit pathway from prostitution, including 921 beneficiaries as of 31/12/2025, with a strengthening of CDLPs incorporating child protection since 2025. The example of Paris shows 150 people in PSP as of 1 December 2025, and the Amicale du Nid presents 29 territorial diagnostics carried out in 26 departments, allowing for the identification of more than 3,200 victims and equipping stakeholders.
Criminal response towards pimps and clients (p.39–43, 57–62)
Judicial data highlights 1,127 convictions in 2024 for pimping, soliciting prostitution, and operating a brothel, including 755 for aggravated pimping. 1,233 individuals implicated in soliciting prostitution are being processed by the public prosecutors in 2024, with a criminal response rate of 89%, and the development of awareness-raising workshops to combat the purchase of sexual acts, used as supplementary or alternative penalties.
3. Action points for local stakeholders
Establish a systematic identification process within health, social, and youth services (p.19–23, 27–30)
Incorporate targeted questions on sexual violence, digital issues, and prostitution into health consultations (CSAPA, CMP, PASS, PMI, family planning), as well as social and educational support, based on the profiles of victims and described vulnerability factors. Adapt assessment grids to explicitly include soliciting prostitution, situations of familial or couple pimping, and risk behaviours related to digital issues (p.19–23, 27–30).
Develop or update territorial diagnostics on the prostitution system (p.17–18, 33–38)
Draw inspiration from the territorial diagnostic methodology of Amicale du Nid to map locations, networks, and forms of exploitation (street, internet, short-term rentals, pseudo "massage parlours"), and inventory local resources. Engage CDLP, ARS, departments, specialised associations, and youth services to produce a shared diagnosis that guides priorities and funding (p.17–18, 33–38).
Strengthen exit pathways and connections with accommodation (p.33–34, 38)
Use the description of the PSP to negotiate locally for more secure accommodation and supported housing, adapted to the security and mobility constraints of victims (distance from networks, specific needs of migrant women and single mothers). Formalise co-support protocols between specialised associations, SIAO, social services, addiction services, and mental health, integrating the geographical mobility needs highlighted by the example of Île-de-France (p.33–34, 38).
Equip educational and child protection teams on digital forms of exploitation (p.21–23, 25–26, 38).
Using data from the National Education (social surveys, prevention actions, 1,300 students affected by sexual exploitation), develop awareness modules on online prostitution risks and mechanisms of control (threats of image dissemination, pseudo romantic relationships, etc.). Disseminate clear reporting procedures to 119, CRIP, and the public prosecutor's office, and strengthen links with specialised associations for the support of minors (p.21–23, 25–26, 38).
Work on client accountability and the articulation with the criminal response (p.39–43, 61–62).
Create dialogue spaces between the public prosecutor's office, associations, probation services, and ongoing training for professionals to enhance the use of awareness-raising courses on the purchase of sexual acts and the monitoring of convicted clients. Integrate specific messages into prevention actions regarding the illegality of purchasing sexual acts, particularly from children under 15, and the legal and social consequences for offenders (p.39–43, 61–62).
4. Additional references
🔍➕ For more information, see the articles referenced by "Pratiques en Santé" on the theme of combating violence ➡️🔗https://pratiquesensante.odoo.com/2-2-lutte-contre-les-violencesand on the theme of prostitution ➡️🔗https://pratiquesensante.odoo.com/blog/tag/prostitution-230
National strategy to combat the prostitution system and sexual exploitation (France, 2024–2027)
Ministry responsible for Equality between Women and Men, 2024, inter-ministerial strategy in 4 areas (implementation of the 2016 law, protection of victims, combating trafficking, knowledge.
Verified URL:National strategy to combat the prostitution system and sexual exploitation.
2025 report from the 3919 line – Violence against women
National Federation of Women's Solidarity, statistical and analytical report 2025 on calls received, including a section on prostitution situations.
Verified URL:3919 – Violence against women: 2025 report.
5. Frequently asked questions
How does the document define the "prostitution system"? (p.6–8)
It is described as a system of domination and sexual exploitation, structured by power and gender relations, involving predominantly women and girls as victims, as well as pimps and paying clients, and not as a "profession" or a simple individual choice.
Which groups are most affected by prostitution and sexual exploitation? (p.11–13, 19–23, 27–30)
The data shows a strong feminisation of victims (approximately 95–97% women and girls according to the indicators), with an increasing proportion of minors, an overrepresentation of foreign individuals, those with disabilities, or with a history of violence.
What are the main health impacts on victims? (p.27–30, 28)
The ASPIRE study highlights psychotraumatic disorders, depression, sleep disorders, somatic and gynaecological issues, poly-substance use, and numerous unmet needs in sexual and mental health.
How can we identify prostitution situations among minors? (p.21–23, 25–26)
The document mentions indicators such as school dropouts, risky behaviours, hypersexualisation, expensive gifts without explanation, online contacts with adults, and increasing reports via 119 and the social services of the National Education.
What measures exist to support exiting prostitution? (p.33–34, 38)
The pathways out of prostitution (PSP), led by the CDLP, provide comprehensive support (housing, health, legal, integration) for victims, with specific residence permits and co-support from specialised associations and social services.
What is the criminal response towards pimps and clients? (p.39–43, 57–62)
The document details the number of individuals charged and convicted for pimping (simple and aggravated), soliciting prostitution, and operating a brothel, as well as the increasing use of awareness-raising courses for clients as supplementary or alternative penalties.
How does the digital dimension transform sexual exploitation? (p.17–18, 21–23, 27–30)
Territorial diagnostics show a digitisation of all stages (advertisements, contact, payments, rentals) and the use of tools like AI to generate or disguise advertisements, which reinforces the anonymity of the perpetrators, complicates detection, and requires specific responses from law enforcement and social services.
6. Rewriting in Easy to Read and Understand Language (FALC)
Title
The prostitution system in France.
Context and issues – FALC version
Prostitution is a violence, not a profession like any other.
The people involved in prostitution are mostly women and girls.
Many are very young or minors.
The internet is often used to organise prostitution.
Pimps control the victims and make money from them.
Clients pay for sexual acts and make this system possible.
Operational contributions – FALC version
The document provides many statistics on victims and perpetrators.
It explains the possible support to exit prostitution.
Exit pathways provide housing, care, and social support.
The numbers 3919 and 119 help women and children in danger.
The justice system can punish pimps and clients.
Professionals can better identify and protect victims.
Key points – FALC version
Point 1: A system of domination
Prostitution is an organised violence, especially against women and girls.
It increasingly uses the internet and social networks.
Point 2: Data on victims
The document provides figures on major and minor victims.
It shows that many victims are very young.
Point 3: The health of victims
Victims often have psychological, physical, and gynaecological issues.
They need specialised care and support.
Point 4: Support to exit prostitution
Exit programmes help individuals leave prostitution.
They offer comprehensive and secure support.
Point 5: Justice and clients
Pimps and clients can be punished by law.
Courses exist to raise awareness of the seriousness of purchasing sexual acts.
7. Cross-sectional analysis – values of Health Practices
Literacy: The document remains technical, but the preface, key figures, and glossary facilitate understanding for professional audiences with varying levels of literacy.
Empowerment: Exit programmes from prostitution aim for the sustainable autonomy of victims, particularly through professional integration and supported housing.
Participation: The direct participation of victims in policy design is poorly described, apart from surveys like ASPIRE that give space to their voices.
Community health: The collective dimension appears through territorial diagnostics, actions by grassroots associations, and departmental coordination, but remains poorly conceptualised as 'community health'.
Ethics: The text highlights vulnerabilities, previous violence, and the risks of sexist and racist stereotypes, calling for non-stigmatising and appropriate care.
Human rights: The abolitionist approach is justified by the protection of human dignity, gender equality, and the fight against sexual exploitation, with attention to children's rights.
Intersectorality: The document emphasises coordination between justice, security forces, health, child protection, national education, the social sector, and associations.
Partnership: Collaboration models are formalised through CDLP, PSP, and partnerships with specialised associations (Amicale du Nid, Mouvement du Nid, etc.).
Fight against discrimination: The text mentions sexist and racist discrimination, as well as the situation of migrant women and people with disabilities, calling for vigilance against prejudice and non-judgment.
8. Assessment of the reliability of the resource
Scientific relevance
The Letter relies on robust administrative and statistical sources: SSMSI (Interior), SSER (Justice), OCRTEH, DGEF, Dgesco, 119, 3919, associative federations, and studies such as ASPIRE, with a transparent presentation of limitations (under-reporting, provisional data). The methodology is explained, definitions are specified (offences, aggravating circumstances), and the timeliness of the data is recent (up to 2025).
Operational relevance
The document is directly usable for practice: it describes the systems (PSP, CDLP, client placements, UAPED, 3919, 119), the profiles of the public, the associative modes of action and the territorial dynamics, allowing for the adaptation of interventions, training and local coordination. It provides a solid argumentative foundation to advocate for the opening of systems, negotiate resources and structure local plans to combat prostitution and sexual exploitation.