'Chemical castration' proposed as sentencing option for child sex offenders
Forced chemical castration of sex offenders is being weighed as possible option put forward by the NSW Deputy Premier and Justice Minister Troy Grant to a government taskforce assembled to address child sexual abuse.
The taskforce has been formed in an effort to strengthen penalties for child-sex offences, made up of victims groups, police and health authorities.
Grant, a former senior police officer, said the taskforce would examine anti-libidinal and forced "chemical castration" as sentencing options for courts, News Corp reports.
“Anti-libidinal medication alone is not a cure-all, but I want to make sure we make the very best possible use of it, combined with other strong measures, to prevent reoffending,” Grant.
"If we can make improvements that save just one child from this horrendous crime, it will be worth it."
Chemical castration is an option available to offenders in prison but it is not a judicial sentencing option.
Victims of Crime Assistance League spokesman Howard Brown, appointed to the taskforce, said he favoured anti-libidinal treatments along with "selective serotonin" drugs that suppress mental desires.
“By not using it, we’re setting them (offenders) up to fail,” Brown said.
Two specialist judges have also been appointed to oversee matters of sexual offences against children.
The taskforce will include representatives from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Corrective Services NSW, the Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network, NSW Police, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, NSW Health, the Bar Association and Law Society and the Public Defenders Office.
Victims’ representatives include the Adults Surviving Child Abuse, Bravehearts, Enough is Enough, the Homicide Victims’ Support Group, Victims of Crime Assistance League and the Survivors and Mates Support Network.
The taskforce is expected to report at the end of the year.
Adults Surviving Child Abuse: 1300 657 380
Survivors and Mates Support Network: 02 8355 3711
Bravehearts: 1800 272 831
