# On both sides of the prison wall This article examines Brazil's prison environment and life outside through a limited PCC example, a study of relatives in São Paulo and Pena Justa's aims. Fictional adult Rafael is detained; his sister Lia wants to support him and retain a life of her own. Their story distinguishes care, participation, knowledge and dependence. It may help readers concerned with relationships between people detained and relatives, visitors' own lives, and assistance without collective accusations. Inside: - Why do PCC's origins not define every detained person's position? - How do institutional requirements, guidelines attributed to a group and visitors' relationships differ? - Why is a relative someone with her own life, beyond an intermediary's role? - How does a state programme's aim differ from help delivered? - Why does release itself not establish that every dependence has ended? This is no complete chart of all Brazilian groups or assessment of a particular case. No safe visit, refusal, approach, disclosure, mediation or exit is selected; protection and rapid restoration are not promised. ---