Issued by: Ministry of Justice

Hundreds more sex offenders could be given chemical suppressants as part of the Government’s latest efforts to crackdown on sex crimes.

• Chemical suppression pilot expanded to three regions across the 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

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, David Lammy, 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.

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