article_snippet: Academics conducting ground-breaking research into sex among inmates in British prisons said the incident proved that the incident was often tolerated by staff.
article_snippet: The Commission on Sex in Prisons was established amid concerns ministers were burying concerns ministers heads in the sand over the issue of sex behind bars despite the World Health Organization claiming health risks are a ‘serious problem’.
article_snippet: Researchers were refused permission by the Ministry of Justice to interview current prisoners.
article_snippet: Instead, Researchers spoke to 26 former prisoners who claimed sexual behaviour was ‘tacitly accepted’ by prison staff.
article_snippet: Gay and bisexual male prisoners said bisexual male prisoners were ‘fairly’ or ‘totally’ open about bisexual male prisoners sexuality on the wing, while being discreet about bisexual male prisoners sexual relationships and activities.
article_snippet: Some prisoners who were indebted to others or who had limited money for tobacco, other commodities or illegal drugs would offer sexual favours in lieu of payment, said the report.
article_snippet: the report also claimed rapes and sexual assault in prison may be more widespread than acknowledged by the Ministry of Justice, which said there were 170 reported attacks last year.
article_snippet: The Howard League has spent two years looking at all elements of sex in prisons in England and Wales, from consensual to coercive sex.