Rapists agree to chemical castration
Four convicted rapists and pedofiles in the Trondheim area have agreed to let themselves be treated with hormones to block their production of testosterone. It's the first time the so-called "chemical castration" is being used in Norway.
Newspaper Dagsavisen reported Monday that the treatments are voluntary and aimed at putting the brakes on the men's sex drive. Doctors say it will return if the treatments are stopped.
The four men already have undergone six months of group therapy. A local psychologist and researcher said the four sex offenders thus are ready to begin hormone treatments.
The goat is to prevent them from committing more sexual assaults. Among the offenders are men who have sexually attacked young boys.
Those agreeing to the treatment, however, won't be released from custody earlier nor will they receive other advantages. Treatments can continue after the offenders are released, if they request them.
State officials are now sending out information on the treatment project to all Norwegian prisons. Those signing up will be transferred to a prison in Trondheim, which is offering the treatment in cooperation with St Olav's Hospital in Trondheim.
Denmark has conducted voluntary hormone treatments on 25 sex offenders since 1989. None has committed a sexual assault after treatment.
Via Aftenposten News in English.
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