Child sex offenders and rapists could face mandatory castration in uk

Paedophiles and rapists might be subject to compulsory chemical castration as part of new measures aimed at restraining sex offenders' harmful impulses. Incarcerated offenders could be

obliged to receive hormone treatment to suppress their sexual drives, which is intended to reduce the risk of reoffending. Initially, a voluntary programme will implement chemical castration

for sex offenders in two regions in England, spanning 20 prisons, as an early move towards a broader national application. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, however, is examining the

possibility of imposing this method as a mandatory requirement, as opposed to merely on a voluntary basis. Today, a comprehensive review on sentencing led by ex-Justice Secretary David Gauke

recommended that more data should be collected about chemical castration – which employs drug therapy to decrease hormone levels and thus diminish libido. The review advocates for the

continuation of a modest-scale pilot involving a handful of prisoners in the South West of England. Addressing Members of Parliament, Ms Mahmood declared: "The review has recommended we

continue a pilot of so-called medication to manage problematic sexual arousal," reports the Mirror. She further asserted: "I will go further with a national rollout, beginning in

two regions covering 20 prisons. And I am exploring whether mandating the approach is possible. Of course, it is vital that this approach is taken alongside psychological interventions that

target other causes of offending, like asserting power and control." A source within the Government disclosed to The Mirror: "For too long, we have turned a blind eye to the threat

sex offenders pose, considering the solutions too difficult or unpalatable. Shabana isn't squeamish about doing what it takes to protect the public. As always, she will grab this

problem by the proverbials." Chemical castration involves administering two types of medication - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to curtail disruptive sexual thoughts, and

anti-androgens to decrease testosterone levels and thus diminish libido. Offenders also usually undergo psychological therapy to help curb compulsive and intrusive sexual thoughts. The

public is being asked for their views on whether sex offenders should face chemical castration by taking part in a poll. This method is intended for sex offenders who struggle with

compulsive and invasive sexual thoughts, along with those who exhibit an excessive preoccupation with sex. Evidence suggests chemical castration significantly lowers the likelihood of

recidivism among sexual predators. Evidence from one research project tracking 10 sex offenders showed not a single individual reoffended after undergoing treatment. Another comparative

study registered a 60% drop in the rate of reoffending in a group of chemically castrated sex offenders when compared to non-castrated offenders. Shabana Mahmood, serving as the Labour MP

for Birmingham Ladywood since 2010, is interested in following the example of various countries where castration is employed to manage sex offenders, which includes Germany, France, Sweden,

and Denmark. While it is typically voluntary in most places, mandatory measures are in place in certain countries and some US states. In his extensive over 200-page sentencing review, Mr

Gauke highlighted the pressing need for reform, not only to prevent prisons from reaching full capacity again, but also to decrease crime and the number of victims impacted. If ministers

approve his proposals, the projected prison population for 2028 would be reduced by 9,800 inmates from its current figure of over 88,000. Among the most significant suggestions, the review

proposes early release for some offenders demonstrating good behaviour and abolishing sentences under 12 months, except in extraordinary cases such as protecting a victim of domestic abuse.

The review also advocates for increased use of technology, like electronic tagging, to supervise offenders in the community and measures to assist criminals whose offending is fuelled by

drugs, alcohol or mental illness. It suggests that judges should impose more non-custodial punishments, such as football, travel or driving bans. Consideration should also be given to

restricting an offender's access to social media. FOR BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR AREA DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX EVERY DAY, GO HERE TO SIGN UP TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER JOIN TEESSIDE LIVE'S

WHATSAPP COMMUNITY FOR COURT AND CRIME NEWS SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE Teesside Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community. Through the app, we'll send you the

latest news from Teesside's courts straight to your phone. To join our community group, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is CLICK THIS LINK AND SELECT 'JOIN

COMMUNITY'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Teesside Live team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions,

and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose

'Exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY.