Staff perception of sexual behaviour in a London hostel for homeless men

This paper reports data concerning sexual behaviour occurring at a hostel for homeless men in South London. The hostel accepted all men without restriction, and the residents included a significant number of drug and alcohol users, and men convicted of various offences. Recreational and also coercive sex were found to occur, much at high risk for HIV and other infectios. Sexual activities were also found to occur in exchange for money or goods, and visitors, female as well as male, were involved. Mentally ill and other vulnerable residents were at risk of sexual exploitation by more aggressive men. The hostel environment precluded most necessary preventive and curative interventions.