Sexuality and Sexual Health in Prisons

Promoting and Sustaining Sexual Health as a Health Resource in Prisons - A Scoping Review

“…Sexual behaviour in prisons has historically been a taboo subject (Horley, 2019). However, it is known that sexual activities do take place in prisons among prisoners.…”

“…Consensual sexual relations occur in prisons despite prohibitions, and male prisoners have a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) than men outside prison (Horley, 2019). Causal links to this risk are described both through risk factors in life before the imprisonment and in interactions with fellow prisoners.…”

“…Causal links to this risk are described both through risk factors in life before the imprisonment and in interactions with fellow prisoners. The diversity of sexual behaviour makes the situation in prison complex, but recognising and being open to this complexity can lead to a safer prison environment for both prisoners and prison staff (Horley, 2019). There are also differences related to sexual health and quality of life depending on if there are men and women in the same prison, and if the prisoners can have heterosexual partners in prison (Carcedo et al, 2012;Carcedo et al, 2011).…”

“…Positive approaches to sexuality and sexual health are experienced to be a neglected topic within criminal care, and therefore a small number of relevant articles was expected. The small number of relevant articles may be because the topic is taboo and not focused on in correctional care (Horley, 2019). During the literature search for sexual health promotion in prisons it was observed that there were many articles which dealt with the negative side of sexuality and sexual health of prisoners, such as STDs, sexual risk-taking, coercive behaviour and sexual abuse in prisons.…”

“…Sexual minorities in Swedish and Australian prisons have expressed experiencing pressure about how they handle and reveal their own sexual identity and sexuality, as the environment in prison is often masculine and heteronormative (Larsdotter et al, 2023;Yap et al, 2020). To meet the diversity of sexual behaviour it is important to be open and recognise the complexity in health of prisoners to ensure a safer prison environment (Horley, 2019). Beer et al (2007) also mentions that women in prison having a romantic relationship experienced that the relationship were supportive and important for them.…”