BRACKNELL’S MP has said chemical castration could be used in a bid to cut sex crimes.
Dr Phillip Lee said there is evidence to suggest that re-offending rates could be cut if the measure is used in conjunction with other treatments.
Justice Minister Dr Lee reportedly believes that one way of dealing with sex offenders is to perform the castration, which is intended to significantly lower sexual activity.
The Conservative MP is one of a group of ministry of justice chiefs who have been looking at the treatments available, in an attempt to stop re-offending.
Dr Lee shared a report from The Express regarding chemical castration, and noted that it is evidence- backed.
He tweeted: “An article about one of the many evidence-based measures we’re considering to cut sex crime re-offending. These crimes are horrific, on the rise, and have a huge social cost. It’s important to do everything we can to tackle them.”
An official statement released on behalf of the MP read: “Chemical castration on its own is no silver bullet when it comes to cutting sex crime re-offending but the evidence so far is that comprehensively attacking these crimes using psychological and medical treatments as well as our tougher sentencing is most likely to keep us safer.”
But Marilyn Hawes, chief executive of charity Enough Abuse UK, has said the measure may not be effective.
She said: “The reality is you don’t need a sexual part to hurt children. The fantasy starts in the brain and you can’t switch that off with chemical castration.”
An MOJ spokesman said: “Medical treatment to manage sexual arousal is already available to some sex offenders on a voluntary basis.
“Prisoners are prescribed medication to manage sexual arousal by a doctor, which must continue to be taken to remain effective.”
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