'We need to let go of stereotypes and judgments,' says sociologist Tessy Funck

During her interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio on Friday morning, Funck stated that since the start of DropIn's EXIT programme in 2015, the service had assisted 34 candidates.

Since 1998, sex workers have been able to contact the service provided by the Luxembourg Red Cross anonymously to get various forms of assistance. This includes a programme for those who want to leave the prostitution industry. Only eight of the 34 candidates were able to complete the programme. The most difficult task, according to Funck, is to completely transform a person's life. This is why most exits take two to three years to complete.

DropIn also works with other services and authorities, such as the National Employment Agency (ADEM) to help candidates find a new job. As for housing, the Red Cross Service has three flats that it can make available to applicants.

'Simple things can already make a difference'

However, DropIn does not just help those who want to leave the sector. People can also get in touch if they have general questions or even if they just want to talk. According to Funck, "simple things" such as meeting for a cup of coffee or doing laundry can already make a difference. The Service also offers medical checks once a week.

In addition, the DropIn team does a lot of street work, e.g. distributing condoms or just listening to what people have to say. The team's work starts in the afternoon and often lasts until midnight.

Sex workers were 'forgotten' during the pandemic

The pandemic has changed not only the nature of the service's work, but also the prostitution industry as a whole, according to Funck.

Some people left the industry during the lockdown, while others joined for the first time, owing to financial difficulties. Sex workers, in general, have been "forgotten" during the pandemic, Funck  criticised. To combat this, DropIn extended its collaboration with other organisations and distributed material donations, for example.

Prostitution: Still more women but men should not be forgotten

While they are a minority, Funck argued that they should not be overlooked, especially since they have very different needs at times. The service is being created in collaboration with male sex workers who have contacted DropIn in the past.

Human trafficking is 'definitely an issue'

There are numerous reasons why people choose to prostitute themselves, and "no discernible archetype" exists, according to Funck. Some people only sell their bodies for a limited time, for example, to buy new school supplies before the start of the new school year, to fund their university studies, or to provide a decent holiday for their children.

According to Funck, human trafficking is "definitely an issue" in Luxembourg and DropIn helps affected people get in touch with the responsible services, if they explicitly ask for help. The sociologist made it very clear that DropIn works on the basis of "non judgement" and will never pressure people into answering certain questions. The service tries its best to ensure that people "feel comfortable" and decide for themselves whether they want to share something with the service or not. DropIn is an anonymous offer and the seven team members are "not there to judge," Funck concluded.