- Chemical suppression pilot expanded to three regions across
country
- More sex offenders able to access medication after release,
supporting a reduction in reoffending
- Mission to halve violence against women and girls central to
government's Plan for Change
Hundreds more sex offenders could be given chemical
suppressants as part of the Government's latest efforts to
crackdown on sex crimes.
A cutting-edge pilot that aims to cut reoffending
and that could lead to less victims will be expanded to
two new regions - the North West and North East of England. This
will extend across twenty prisons, ramped up from the current
four in the South West pilot.
This will mean around 6,400 sex offenders will now be able to
access this medication, along with psychological treatment, to
help change their criminal behaviour and clamp down on the
some of the most dangerous crimes – including assault, grooming
and rape.
Deputy Prime Minister, , said:
“Protecting the public is my priority. Evidence shows this
medication helps suppress urges, which is why we're expanding
access to it.
“This part of our comprehensive approach to managing dangerous
offenders and preventing reoffending. Every tool we deploy serves
one main purpose: keeping communities safe and reducing the
number of victims.
“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."
The pilot follows a key recommendation from Sir David
Gauke's Independent Sentencing Review.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) limit invasive
sexual thoughts, while anti-androgens reduce the production of
testosterone and limit libido. This medication is effective at
reducing sexual urges when combined with coordinated support,
such as therapy.
This comes as part of the second reading of the Sentencing Bill
in the House of Commons. This legislation will help to end the
prison crisis inherited by the Government and prevent the
collapse of the justice system.
