Video. "We're neither for nor against prostitution": In Bordeaux, Poppy's mobile team supports prostitutes

In Bordeaux, Poppy's team travels to prostitution sites in its mobile unit. Based on a non-judgmental approach, this approach aims to provide a listening ear, care, and support to people involved in prostitution.

The truck's engine dies after they spot, in the distance, two caravans parked in a remote corner of the Bordeaux outskirts. That day, July 22, the team consists of Camille Escaich, Poppy's coordinator, and Stéphane Desforges, a special needs educator. Around them, the street looks like a derelict area. "They'll come once their client has left," Stéphane whispers, scanning the surroundings. Meanwhile, he loads the essentials into the back of the vehicle: condoms, lubricants, pregnancy tests, and medical supplies.

Once a month, members of this structure, attached to La Case – a medical-social association – travel directly to prostitution sites in and around Bordeaux to welcome prostitutes into their truck. Founded in 2018, the establishment supports this public through daily reception at their premises in the center of Bordeaux. "Some cannot come to us, so we chose to go to them, " explains Camille Escaich. From this desire, the mobile unit was born in 2021, allowing them to continue their mission: to offer unconditional care to prostitutes.

Poppy's entire team – made up of sexologists, social workers and psychologists – is trained in rapid diagnostic orientation tests (TROD), which can detect HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B or C, and is authorized to announce the results.

"Coffee or tea?" asks Stéphane, taking out several cups. The small space at the back of the vehicle becomes, for the duration of a stop, a confidential and welcoming place. This is where they mainly welcome women, but also men and transgender people. They come from all walks of life, are between 13 and 84 years old, are victims of sex trafficking or identify as sex workers (SWT).

"Seeing them regularly allows us to ensure that everything is going well. Over time, we see that they are waiting for us," says the coordinator. Because this monthly meeting is not limited to health prevention. "It allows them to take a break, to talk freely about their practices... Or, on the contrary, about something else entirely," explains Stéphane. "Here, they can finally let their guard down."

Sarah* talks about her upcoming vacation: maybe a week in the Pyrenees. Then she talks about her son, who's gone to work in Paris, and who absolutely mustn't know about his mother's situation. Marie* sums up her reality in one sentence: "I am who I am from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Besides that, I have a social life, friends, and a family."

“I do this to eat, not to buy Louboutins.”

At 65, she works out of her truck and has been a prostitute for over forty years. She says bluntly: "I do this to eat, not to buy Louboutins." For her, organizations like Poppy are essential. "I save on condoms, and for everything concerning my retirement papers, I was able to ask Camille."

When the 2016 law on criminalizing clients is mentioned, she reacts bluntly: "It pissed us off. No one puts a knife to our throats when we get a client. So let us be free to prostitute ourselves! If I decide to have ten guys in the morning for free, no one has anything to say. But if I'm paid, then that's a problem." She pauses, draws on her cigarette, then adds: "Put prostitution back under control, with dedicated areas for girls. At least we won't bother anyone and we can work in safety."

In just a few years, Poppy's members have noticed a decline in street prostitution. "Before, there were nearly 600 people in Bordeaux. Today, there are only about a hundred. Since the 2016 law, and with the Covid epidemic, we've realized that the public has massively invested in the digital space," explains Camille Escaich.

To achieve this, Poppy created Rose , an online intervention system that connects with nearly 3,000 people each year. With its day center, mobile unit, and online system, Poppy continues its mission: "We are neither for nor against prostitution. We simply support people in their free choice of life path. If someone wants to stop, we help them do so. If they choose to continue, we support them to minimize the risks and protect their health."

*First names have been changed .