“Your son, your brother, my wife”
Research identifies high incidence of forced sexual encounters between male prisoners
in Malawi resulting in high vulnerability to HIV and AIDS infection.
Institutions
VSO, Policy Group, London, United Kingdom
VSO, Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi with full cooperation from the Government of Malawi
VSO RAISA (Regional AIDS Initiative of Southern Africa)
Background
Results
The existence of homosexual activity in Malawian
prisons is widely denied. The research aimed
to identify the extent of sexual activity between
male prisoners and the implications for the spread
of HIV and AIDS.
All prisoners interviewed had witnessed
homosexual activity in prison and observed
injuries in others consistent with forced anal sex.
Young offenders were particularly vulnerable. Nine
out of 12 young offenders and 15 out of 25 adult
male prisoners reported being coerced or forced.
Methods
The research took place in 2010. Thirty seven male
inmates (25 adults/12 young offenders) and six staff
members from three Malawian prisons were
individually interviewed. A standard questionnaire
was used to ask prisoners and staff about their
general and personal risk perception and their
understanding of available HIV and AIDS services.
Amongst prison officers, two reported
homosexuality was common.
However, four reported it was not suggesting a
level of denial or a lack of awareness amongst staff.
Twenty adult males in two of the prisons where
HIV testing is available were asked about their
HIV status. Twelve knew they were HIV positive
and had taken the test in prison where they
believed they were infected. Prisoners on ARVs
reported that access to treatment was good.
Authors
C. Ingleby, S. Tahuna, C. Muchungu
“When I came into the prison, I was put
in the main wing – housing adults.
Here I was quickly offered a place to
sleep in a crowded cell. I did not know
that the favour was in exchange for sex.
At night, the ordeal began. I was raped
repeatedly. That became a daily thing
until the prison authorities transferred
me to the juvenile wing”
Young offender, Malawian prison
“The situation [rape and sexual abuse]
is very bad... Every time I see a young
offender being brought in I feel bad,
I say to myself – there is another one.
He is just going to be infected by HIV”
Malawian prison officer
Research conclusions and subsequent action by Malawian prisons authorities
Research conclusions
Male to male sexual activity in Malawian prisons exists and should
be recognised.
Existing privilege systems favouring long-term prisoners should
be dismantled as they encourage a hierarchy which results in increased
sexual exploitation of younger prisoners.
Young offenders must be separated from adult males to reduce the risk
of sexual coercion/violence.
Overcrowding in prisons must be reduced.
HIV services, including condom programming, need to be scaled up.
VSO International
Carlton House, 27a Carlton Drive
London SW15 2BS, UK
+44 (0)20 8780 7500
www.vsointernational.org
Contact
Clive Ingleby - [email protected]
Steve Tahuna - [email protected]
Government responses as a result of the research
Introduction of three meals a day (adequate food) to reduce the use
of food in exchange for sex.
Reviewed the positions of ‘Nyampala’ (hard core criminals as head boys)
and later abolished .
Only disciplined inmates now chosen as leaders.
Converting one prison to a full juvenile prison and moving the majority
of juvenile prisoners in Malawi to this prison.
‘At risk’ juveniles in existing prisons moved to new prisons.