Chemical Castration for Convicted Sex Offenders

The use of chemical castration has already been used in countries like Germany, Poland and Denmark, the UK too, as it has been used before, but only for men who chose to undertake the treatment. 

The introduction of chemical castration for certain sexual offenders is a very new scheme proposed and is already in operation in some areas of the country. At the moment the prisoners who have been convicted of certain sexual offences are being offered the opportunity to be given mediation to supress libido or reduce “sexual thoughts”, it is a voluntary agreement entered into by the convicted person, but it appears there are potential future plans for it to become a mandatory requirement. 

Chemical castration is the use of medication to reduce testosterone in men, which ultimately leads to a reduction in libido and sexual desires, castration is delivered through injection or implant.  Unlike surgical castration, which is permanent, chemical castration is reversible, with effects typically ceasing once the medication is discontinued. Therefore, the issuing of medication to convicted sex offenders is something the government are going to have to implement long term, even when they are released from prison. This of course will have a knock on affect on the NHS which like the prisons, is already overran and understaffed. 

The government proposal seems to suggest that chemical castration is offered to serious sexual offenders, and to those convicted of sexual offences against children such as rape, sexual activity with a child, sexual grooming, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, offences which carry length terms of imprisonment. 

Where chemical castration is offered and accepted by a person the aim will be to release them from prison earlier with a view that the medication will have supressed the sexual thoughts enough to provide safety to society and prevent further sexual offending.

Before chemical castration is proposed to an individual the government have suggested that psychological assessments will take place first. These assessments are to assess the persons suitability for the treatment and may include considering dangerousness, risk, and acceptance of their offending and sexual interests. However, as research suggests sexual offending may in fact not be related to sexual desires/testosterone levels at all and reducing libido may not be the answer to prevent sexual reoffending. 

There are clearly ethical considerations to be had before a mandatory roll out is proceeded with and it should be medical practitioners who determine whether a person is fit and suitable before any medication is administered to them. 

There is no legal requirement at this time for a person convicted of a sexual offence to be chemically castrated, and it would be very important to understand the process and benefits before you begin treatment.  The government suggest that chemical castration will reduce the time a prisoner serves in prison and therefore, earlier release can be the aim for most of those serving time for their offending. However, the offender will remain under review and on licence whilst in the community, the treatment will continue and this is likely to be a condition of release. 

Being accused of a sexual offence can bring various consequences to your family life, career and freedom. Seeking legal advice as soon as possible is crucial to ensure you are safeguarded throughout any police investigation and subsequent court proceedings. At Eventum Legal our team offers support and guidance, our lawyers have vast experience in representing clients at the pre-charge and post charge stages of a criminal case.

To speak with us about your case or police investigation contact us today.