Introducing, “Case Study: ECPAT France in Calais, France”

There exists a prevailing ideology that refuses to acknowledge that boys can be and are victims of sexual exploitation. As an underserved population, they often do not seek out or receive support due to stigmas surrounding boys’ masculinity. 

Recently, ECPAT International unveiled, “Case study: ECPAT France in Calais, France,” which focuses on how to work with boys at risk or who are survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse in a context of migration and forced displacement. The case study documents ECPAT France’s practices in providing support to boy survivors, sharing key learnings and helping to answer the question: “How can we work with children and young boys at risk or survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse through a gender-sensitive approach?”

Since 2021, ECPAT France has been actively supporting boys ranging from ages 8-17 who have migrated or have been forcibly displaced in Calais, France, which is close in proximity to the Strait of Dover. Many boys attempt to make the crossing over to the UK, but the journey is dangerous due to harsh weather conditions and heavy commercial traffic. Living conditions in the area are below minimum standards for children, with many that have faced sexual exploitation and abuse by state actors or smugglers. 

Here are some key takeaways from the case study: 

The importance of cultural relativism 

A culturally-sensitive approach is essential when engaging with at-risk populations, especially while navigating cultural barriers. The case study shares that while working with the boys, this involved working with the communities around them. To better understand their culture, ECPAT France shared the importance of developing a presence and interacting with the boys in a way that is acceptable within the community. To bridge the gap, the field team familiarize themselves with the boys’ language and traditions. This includes learning key words and developing playlists that consist of songs that they know and love, which is an effort that is appreciated by the boys, helping to build rapport and trust. 

Empowering the boys to practice their sense of agency  

Given the migratory conditions, this involves a power imbalance involving formal and informal parties like state troopers and smugglers, who impose challenges among the boys. To help to restore a sense of individuality, the ECPAT France team encouraged the boys to make small decisions from which recreational activities they wanted to participate in to what clothes they wanted to wear, and lead to bigger questions, like their life plans, whether they wanted to register for child protection services, and whether they wanted to do the crossing. 

By empowering them to make their own decisions, the boys are exercising their own autonomy and developing trust in the ECPAT France team, who are showing that the boys’ opinions and decisions are being taken into account. 

Making information and free resources as accessible as possible

Trafficking and sexual exploitation boils down to abuse of power. A priority for the ECPAT France team was to make it as clear as possible where free services and resources are available. Smugglers will often use access to basic needs to manipulate the boys into an exploitative situation, which is why it was essential for the boys to know what resources were at their disposal. The case study shared how adult figures can play a key role in persuading the boys to seek shelter in areas designated by child protection services of the Pas-de-Calais department, so that the boys would not need to rely on informal networks and risk the exposure to sexual exploitation and instead, be in a safe space away from the camps. 

To view all of the findings from the report, click here.