Chemical castration trials aim to prevent sex abuse

Paedophiles not convicted of a crime are being recruited for a research project aiming to show that men at risk of sexually abusing children can be identified and treated before they target a victim.

A clinical trial looking at the effectiveness of a ‘chemical castration’ therapy that cuts levels of the male hormone testosterone is already under way in Sweden.

However, scientists are taking the controversial further step of looking at whether men in the general population who are worried about their sexual urges can successfully be treated to prevent them committing crimes. They also hope to pinpoint ‘biomarkers’ — tell-tale substances in the blood or brain wiring patterns — that mark out individuals who could pose a danger to children.