Gang rape in Italy sparks calls for chemical castration

Italians remain shocked as a horrifying gang rape case surfaced last week, where seven men have been accused of raping a 19-year-old woman in Palermo, Sicily, in early July.

The horrifying incident has taken over the public debate in the country, with conversations between the perpetrators and all other details of the attack sparking fury and disgust.

The argument has seen some stressing “not all men” should be blamed, while others have underscored Italy’s grim track record of rampant violence against women.

Does Castration Solve Psychological Problems At The Roots?

Following the heinous crime, politician Matteo Salvini suggested a drastic and controversial solution: the introduction of compulsory chemical castration for such offences.

While surgical castration involves physical removal of a man’s testicles, the chemical procedure involves drug administration through pills and injections to lower a man’s testosterone levels.

A number of EU countries already allow the treatment on a voluntary basis. But Poland is currently the only one mandating it for rapists and child sex abusers.

Pills And Injections Can Never Be Enough!

Experts believe castration has little to no impact on a person’s capacity to harm another, arguing it doesn’t solve the psychological and societal problems at the roots.

The practice has also been condemned by human rights activists groups. Then what could be an effective alternative? Some experts have called for efforts to find better solutions.

A few have suggested learning programmes and therapy sessions that help offenders reflect on their behaviour and take responsibility for their crimes.

While such alternatives may sound relatively more effective, they are also longer and more resource-intensive processes. But we need to be clear: there is no shortcut to change people.