Initially, 20 prisons in two regions will be covered by the trials of chemical castration. But there may be more.
It is, of course, crucial that this measure is implemented alongside psychological interventions targeting other causes of the crimes, such as assertion of power and control, says Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood to the Parliament in London.
Studies show that chemical castration can lead to a 60 percent reduction in recidivism, according to Mahmood.
The initiative is part of a larger British package of measures to reduce the risk of repeat offenses and alleviate the pressure on the country's prisons, which are filled to the brim. Last autumn, 1,700 prisoners in England and Wales were released prematurely to free up spaces – but not any sex offenders.
Chemical castration has also been used on a voluntary basis in Germany and Denmark. In Poland, it is mandatory for certain offenders.
