First to choose chemical castration

For the first time in Norway two sex offenders have chosen to undergo chemical castration. The option has been a success in Denmark where 25 Danes have taken the hormone treatment and none have become repeat offenders.

According to Norwegian law the course of treatment - the drug Androcur - must be voluntary and cannot be part of punitive action. The hormone treatment reduces the production, concentration and effect of testosterone. If the drug is no longer taken the sexual drive returns to normal after a few months.
"The treatment is based on voluntary participation from inmates convicted of crimes such as rape, incest, assaulting minors or exposing themselves," said Jim Aage Nøttestad, chief psychologist at the Brøset security division in South Trøndelag.

The Ministry of Justice and Police and the Directorate for Health and Social Services have given Brøset the assignment of establishing Norway's first hormone treatment program for those convicted of grave sexual crimes.

Convicts will receive a combined program of drugs and conversational therapy to help them understand why they carry out their attacks.

"This is an offer for people whose sexuality is not normal. It could apply to from five to 15 people a year," said Anne-Grete Kvanvig from Health and Social Services.