Chemical Castration is the administration of a drug (such as medroxyprogesterone) to bring about a marked reduction in the body’s production of androgens especially testosterone (Anon., 2018). Testosterone is the major hormone linked to libido and sexual desire and there have been several studies which suggest that those who are sexual predators have higher levels of testosterone androgens than non-offenders (Joo Yong Lee, 2013). It is a very relevant topic in today’s society. It is relevant as it is being gradually introduced internationally as a rehabilitation method for paedophilic offenders. Over the course of 70 years there have been many attempts at lowering libido by using various antiandrogen hormonal medication, however, many wonder …show more content…
whether Chemical Castration is actually effective in decreasing sex offences? The research conducted will outline what exactly chemical castration is, if it is successful in working, any limitations of the procedure and also problems surrounding ethics and consent of treatment. These will prove the claim that Chemical castration is useful in decreasing repeat sex offences. What is Chemical Castration and how does it work? .
Over the course of 70 years there have been many attempts at lowering libido by using various antiandrogen hormonal medication such as diethylstilboestrol, medroxyprogesterone acetate, cyproterone acetate, leuprolide acetate and goserelin. These feature the hormones either progesterone or oestrogen which have all been customarily effective in diminishing or lowering sexual desires and impulses in subjects (Samantha Vaillancourt, 2012). Paraphilia is a condition that many repeat sexual offenders suffer from and makes them undergo abnormal sexual desires which can result in them partaking in dangerous and extreme activities in order to live their sexual fantasies. In order to treat those who have Paraphilia one would ingest a luteinizing releasing hormone (LHRH) such as leuprolide and goserelin. These agonists reduce testosterone to low levels and generally stops repeat violations as their intense sexual drive and desire is lessened (Joo Yong Lee, 2013). Chemical Castration has become a more popular method of punishment for sex offenders and treatment for those with Paraphilia for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is significantly more convincing than surgical castration and ankle bracelets as these methods are not effecting libido therefor the offender might want to reoffend even after incarceration. Also, contrary to surgical castration antiandrogen medication can be reversed if is suitable for the subject. Lastly, sexual offenders may want to undergo chemical castration …show more content…
as it is a realistic way in order for them to control their impulses. Does Chemical Castration actually work? Although chemical castration sounds like a reasonable way to deal with sex offenders, many debate whether it is actually an adequate method of punishment and prevention.
Much like many medications, there is no absolute guarantee that chemical castration will be effective when used on everyone. However, there are multiple studies that prove its success rate and other advantages. Although an absolute direct correlation between sexual offences and hormonal imbalance has not been completely proven, various theories prove that sexual offending has incorporated hormonal factors and that chemical castration reduces sexual interest and repeat sex offences (Joo Yong Lee, 2013). In 2014, a study was conducted by the International Society of Sexual Medicine to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical castration on sex offenders. 56 offenders, arrested for sexual offences, were used as subjects. Group A had 38 offenders and were injected every three months with leuprolide acetate (a synthetic gonadotropin releasing hormone) and group B had 18 and was injected with leuprolide acetate every six months. It was found in group A that sexual thoughts decreased significantly by 76% and 71% and masturbation decreased by 74%. In group B sexual thoughts decreased by 78% and 72% and masturbation declined by 83% (Koo KC, 2014). This evidence therefore supported that chemical castration was a very viable option in order to decrease their libido and sexual fantasy. Chemical castration also plays a key
role in sex offenders gaining autonomy. As many sex offenders (especially those with Paraphilia) have very intense sexual desire and heightened libido very frequently it can be difficult for them to partake in professions and other everyday activities. However, when chemically castrated, offenders are having reduced amounts of sexual thoughts and desires allowing for them to lead a somewhat standard life (Thomas Douglas, 2013). Finally, perhaps something that works in the opposite direction, which involves the general public (non-offenders). As it relieves them to remember that these offenders are undergoing treatment in order to make their community safe. Limitations of the procedure Although there are many advantages of chemical castration there is also a number of limitations and disadvantages. Firstly, although castration lowers libido, the correlation between sex offending and testosterone levels remains unclear (Joo Yong Lee, 2013). Also, some hormones and medicines used for chemical castration are not as effective. For example, many individuals do not experience any difference in sexual desire when CPA or MPA is used (both classified as feminizing hormones – oestrogen or progesterone) instead GnRH is the most effective. In fact, most chemical castration procedures conducted on antisocial or psychopathic sex offenders who don’t suffer from Paraphilia are seen to be ineffective (Thomas Douglas, 2013). As chemical castration treatment can span decades there are many possible life-threatening negative side effects that one undergoing these procedures can face. The first being andropause, andropause is the male correspondent of menopause and those enduring andropause will suffer similar side effects. Other side effects an individual may face after being chemically castrated are weight gain, hot flushes, insomnia, clinical depression, intense mood swings, feminization, migraines and diabetes just to name a few. Bone demineralization can also occur in those who have undergone the procedure. However, CPA and MPA users may suffer from more intense and persistent symptoms than those using GnRH for castration (Thomas Douglas, 2013). Since ones natural testosterone levels are being tampered with it can also affect an individual’s metabolism sexual development and function and growth. For example, erectile dysfunction is a common side effect amongst those undergoing chemical castration as a result of reduction of testosterone. Also sperm count will significantly decrease and the remaining sperm will lessen in quality as they will lack motility and will also have many abnormalities. Ethics / Consent Ethics and consent are two main factors concerning the legitimacy of chemical castration. Many sexual perpetrators are seen as if they are pressured into choosing to partake in castration as if one objects to undergoing chemical castration their incarceration is increased. Numerous members of public view consent of sexual offenders to castration invalid because of the pressure put on them to choose to do so (Vaillancourt, 2012). As many believe that medical interventions should not be offered unless one has the right to fully consent without worrying about potential repercussions. This develops an ethical dilemma of whether offenders should have to put their body and minds through the toll of treatment simply because of fear of facing a longer incarceration. John Vanderzyl says “(chemical castration) should be rejected as an unacceptable, ineffective and unconstitutional alternative to imprisonment”. It is evident that there are many benefits surrounding chemical castration supporting the claim that chemical castration decreases repeat sexual offending. These benefits include decreased libido and sexual desire in all subjects and the significant decrease of re-offending. However, the procedure presents many serious side effects and there has not been enough research to conclude that repeat offences and testosterone levels correlate. Also there are many questions concerning the ethics of chemical castration and whether an offenders consent is truly valid. However, it is apparent that the procedure of undergoing chemical castration is effective in lowering libido and will decrease the probability of an offender re-offending.
Worling, J .(2012). The assessment and treatment of deviant sexual arousal with adolescents who have offended sexually. Journal of Sexual Aggression, 18(1), 36-63. doi: 10.1080/13552600.2011.630152
It is very common for these individuals to be monitored for drug use during this treatment/therapy regimen so as not to undermine the program or the criminal justice system. Psychotherapy is often best for a population such as sex offenders. Since no medication has yet been proven to be effective against a sex offender’s urges, cognitive behavioral therapy (as well as intense supervision) is the most effective modality of
Letourneau, E. J., Henggeler, S. W., Borduin, C. M., Schewe, P. A., McCart, M. R., Chapman, J. E., & Saldana, L. (2009). Multisystemic therapy for juvenile sexual offenders: 1-year results from a randomized effectiveness trial. Journal of Family Psychology, 23(1), 89-102.
Many resources go into the prevention and management of sex offenders. However, very few effective programs exist that decrease the likelihood of reoffending. Through the use of meta-analyses, Seto and Lalumiere (2010) evaluated multiple studies that examined sex offenders. Emphasis was put on etiological explanations in the hopes of identifying factors associated with sex offending. Seto and Lalumiere’s (2010) findings help in creating effective programs to decrease recidivism rates.
These cognitive-behavioral techniques; anger management, deviant sexual arousal, and interventions dependent on the principles of risk, responsibilities and needs provide the most common forms of treatment used with sex offenders. Typically, these techniques ensure effective treatment of cognitive distortions, teaching of social skills and empathy and the implementation of emotion management and relapse prevention. Cognitive-behavioral techniques are proven and effective treatment for a number of mental illnesses and problems because they are comprehensive and effectual treatments and can be considered the best practice for treatment with sexual offenders as inferred by Alaska Dept of Corrections and United States of America
The medicalization of sex addiction demonstrates the lengths at which medical authority will go to inject another fabricated disease into the blood of society. While alleged sex addictions have existed for many years, they have only recently been accepted as valid excuses for sexual deviancy. Attitudes toward sex addiction in the past offer a stark contrast to how it is viewed today, as the constantly medicalizing society insists on putting everything under the technical microscope. Sex addiction is commonly associated with a person’s inability to control his sexual behavior, implying an abnormally high sex drive and obsession with sex which have negative effects on his personal life (MedicineNet 2007, 1). Rather than breaking down the science behind the disorder, a customary practice in today’s medicalized society, older attitudes towards sex addiction placed it under the same light as alcoholism, where a lack of control and unwillin... ...
There is much debate as to whether a sex offender should be released into the public, this debate stems from the idea that a sex offender cannot be treated and that they are a danger to the public as they are ‘purely evil’ (Burke, 2005), however there is much evidence that sex offenders can be treated and re-introduced into society as a productive member. Sex offender is a general term used to refer to any person who has been convicted of crimes involving sex, from rape and molestation to exhibitionism and pornography distribution. There are many theories which try to explain why people are sexual offenders, these theories along with treatments for sex offenders will be looked at to help explain why people sexually offend and to help evaluate whether sex offenders should be released.
In order to state why castrations should be allowed on sex offenders, Wright provides key information and examples as to why it should be allowed. He first talks a little bit about the sex offenders they currently have in jail in Texas. He explains that only a small amount are actually receiving therapy and how more than half will be arrested for a sex crime a few years later after getting released from jail. The next thing Wright talks abou...
Treatment approaches consist of cognitive behavioral and multisystemic therapies (Fanniff & Becker, 2006). Juveniles that are convicted of sex offenses may be placed on sex offender registry, occasionally a permanent status (Salerno, Stevenson, el al., 2010). It is unlike a sex offender to adhere to the appropriate sexual and social behaviors; thus the goal for adolescents is to understand the complex world to overcome the typical characteristics of a sex offender. This paper will consist the common characteristics of juvenile sex offenders and the treatment that are considered to be effective. Additionally, academic research is acquired that focus on offender registration and recidivism
Homosexuality was once considered a mental illness which lead to attempts to “cure” it. One of the main theories of homosexuality is that it stems from deviant behavior experienced in childhood. Some men develop homosexual attractions due to a bad relationship with a distant father or in response to childhood molestation (Shapio 5). While some homosexual attractions have been caused by these issues, most homosexuals have not been exposed to molestation or family issues. One of the methods to cure homosexuality is conversion therapy. Conversion therapy consists of a variety of methods, both physical and psychological. Some of these methods include praying away the gay, electroconvulsive therapy, hypnosis, and drugs (“11 Ridiculous” 1). There are many camps which are designed for conversion therapy but many of their practices remain secret. There is little information to be found online regarding these camps because they realize that they are behaving inappropriately so they hide their acts. In the 1980s, homosexuality was determined to have a biological cause; this created two sides – supporters of conversion therapy and its detractors (Friedman 1).
problem for the public, as potential victims, and the legal system which is entrusted by the public for protection. It would be irresponsible for the legal system to ignore the criminal class of sex offenders, for they are subject to a recurring physiological urge that requires the use of effective restraints that would curb the habitual repetition of episodes producing the harmful consequences to the public(Schopf 95). In light of this realization, steps beyond treatment have been taken to reduce the recidivism rate of sex offenders. Notification laws, special supervising techniques by parole officers, and both surgical and chemical castration are techniques used in various forms in this country and abroad with success. However, notification laws and both forms of castrations
(233) Pedophilic disorders are where the individual experiences consisted and frequent sexual urges, fantasies, or behavior that involve touching and rubbing a non-consenting individual. It is also said that men with this disorder usually have other psychological disorders. Individuals, usually develop this disorder in adolescence and have been abused, neglected, punished, or deprived a close relationship during their childhood. Also they are usually married and have problems especially sexual difficulties that lead them to seek to be the master instead of the immature individuals they are. Their social and sexual skills maybe lacking and lead them to distorted thinking like it’s all right to have sex with a child as long as they agree, but they also blame the child if they’re caught or say the child benefited from the encounter. Individuals with this disorder usually experience greater arousal from prepubescent or early pubescent children, but other are attracted to adults (Comer, 2014, p.411). The treatment for this disorder is about the same as other paraphilic disorder with aversion therapy, masturbatory satiation, orgasmic reorientation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and antiandrogen drugs, but the most effective treatment for some is in the cognitive-behavioral therapy which they call relapse prevention training. It is the same treatment used for substance abuse where the individual identifies what triggers their pedophilic urges and actions. Then they learn new techniques for avoiding or coping with those urges and actions (Comer, 2014, p.413).
There are many various types of assessments and treatments for sexual offenders some of them are the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders has developed substantially over the last 40 years.Some early treatment models were medical or psychoanalytic and later treatments focus...
Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., the first person to identify and treat this affliction, hypothesized sex addiction results from a person needing certain neuro-chemical changes (4). Everybody experiences certain neuro-chemical changes that make the physical act of sex feel pleasurable. A normal person produces this stimulus, attains the natural high, and is satisfied. An addict, however, uses this chemical to escape pain or seek relief from stress (4). This theory supports a nature argument because there is nothing a person can do about it. Their body creates an altered response to a completely normal act and fosters an uncontrollable need to experience sex. It is comparable to an alcoholic's reaction to alcohol (4). The sex addict needs this chemical to be released in order to desensitize themselves from their problems. This is not healthy, but i...
...per, Al, David Delmonico, and Ron Burg. “Cybersex Users, Abusers, and Compulsives: New Findings and Implications.” Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity. 7 (2000):5-29.