More sex offenders to be chemically castrated in bid to prevent reoffending

>Chemical suppressants for sexual offenders will be trialled in north-west and north-east England as part of efforts to cut reoffending, the Justice Secretary has said.

>The government had pledged to widen the existing pilot in four prisons in the south-west to 20 following recommendations from the independent sentencing review to explore its use in May.

>The medication limits “problematic sexual arousal” and restrains offenders who could be a risk to the public, David Lammy said.

>Speaking at the start of a debate on the second reading of the Sentencing Bill, the Lord Chancellor told MPs a trial in south-west England had been “positive”.

>Mr Lammy added: “While the evidence base is limited, it is positive and for that reason we will roll the approach out nationwide, starting with two new regions, the North West and North East, covering up to 20 prisons.”

>The expansion means around 6,400 sex offenders will be able to access medication alongside psychological treatment to help change their behaviour and crack down on crimes such as rape, grooming and assault.

>Problematic sexual arousal can be reduced by chemical suppressants and prescribed medication, but the review highlighted the treatment would not be relevant for some sex offenders, such as rapists driven by power and control, rather than sexual preoccupation.

>In a statement, Mr Lammy added: “Evidence shows this medication helps suppress urges, which is why we’re expanding access to it.

>“This is part of our comprehensive approach to managing dangerous offenders and preventing reoffending.

>“Make no mistake – those who commit serious crimes will face the full force of the law. But alongside prison, we have a duty to use every method available to rehabilitate offenders and protect the public, as part of our Plan for Change.”

This feels like it’s gonna be a lawsuit in 20 years. Isn’t chemical castration also a human rights violation?

More concerned for the cost of huge payouts from eventual lawsuits than any concern for welfare of sex offenders but even they can lawyer up and win.

The drug is completely voluntary and non-perment, it shouldn’t be called castration because it isn’t.

Its aimed at people who have chronic sexual intrusive thoughts and want medical help to assist with rehabilitation. 

Mr Lammy added: “While the evidence base is limited,…”

5 paragraphs later…

In a statement, Mr Lammy added: “Evidence shows this medication helps suppress urges, which is why we’re expanding access to it.

What on earth?

Is this programme something with an actual evidentiary basis supporting its effectiveness, or is it just politician-driven performance art?

Turing remembers.

This worked so very, very well in the past.