Yet since a 2009 coup d'état sent the country spiraling into political and economic disarray, the problem has reached crisis proportions.
Tristan receives occasional financial support from Jason, a manager at an Ikea store in California.
These 'men' who fuel this industry are our brothers, they are our fathers and our sons.
Prostitution is a big business and everybody can benefit from it, including the police.
Little kids in filthy clothing run to you to beg for a few coins as you struggle to lift your bag into the taxi.
Yasmina said that one evening, a friend invited her to come out to the beach.