A situation analysis of policies and practices related to sexuality was
conducted in the state system for young offenders in Sao Paulo (FEBEM-SP)
from October 2005 until February 2006. Using quantitative and qualitative
research methods three separate but interlinking research studies explored
aspects of sexuality and vulnerability in young people, the capacity of
FEBEM-SP staff members in residential institutions to respond to aspects of
sexuality and vulnerability and lastly the ideology and functioning of FEBEMSP
itself. The research study was a collaborative effort between the London
School of Hygiene (LSHTM), the University of Sao Paulo (USP) and the
Population Council Brazil. A comprehensive literature review revealed a
dearth of research on the sexual vulnerability of young people under the
care of FEBEM-SP or other similar institutions. Furthermore, no previous
research among this population has attempted to link the vulnerabilities of
service users, service providers and the institution. These research gaps
highlight the importance of this research and its findings.
The results from this study indicate that the young men who participated in
the study were highly vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections including
HIV. Access to sexual and reproductive health services were severely
constrained especially in residential institutions. The majority of young men
were sexually active and reported high numbers of life time sexual partners
and inconsistent condom use.
Violence emerged as the major aspect of vulnerability in young men's lives.
Racial discrimination emerged as another important aspect. The young men
interviewed experienced violence in all spheres of their lives: in their homes, in
their communities (school or FEBEM-SP) and in the street. At the time, FEBEMSP
residential institutions were plagued by major security concerns including
frequent rebellions and uprisings. Young men and FEBEM-SP staff were both
victims and perpetrators of violence. In residential institutions there were
reports of clandestine sexual activity (including sexual violence) with fellow
residents, visitors and staff members. There was a taboo surrounding sexual
violence. Constrained by an institutional policy of "no sex, no condoms",
staff members felt unable to respond to young men's sexual and
reproductive health needs. Staff members felt that their own needs for safety
at the workplace were not met.
Steps need to be taken to change the institutional ethos. However, the
author recommends against the creation of institutional STI prevention
programmes given the lack of institutional support and capacity for previous
efforts. The author strongly recommends the implementation of a swift
transition of young people from residential FEBEM-SP institutions to the
probation system where they will have easier access to education, social
assistance, leisure programmes and the municipal health services provided
by the City of Sao Paulo