Chemical Castration as a Measure of Punishment for Sexual Assault Crimes Against Minors in Peru

Abstract

This   research   examines   the   feasibility   of incorporating    chemical    castration    as    an alternative  penalty  for  sexual  offenders.  The sexual  abuse  of  minors  constitutes  one  of  the most serious criminological problems in Peru, with a sustained increase in reported cases and high   recidivism   rates.   According   to   the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (2016), a significant proportion of victims are children  and  adolescents,  while  data  from  the National  Penitentiary  Institute  (2016)  reveal repeated offending among individuals convicted    of    these    crimes.    Despite    the progressive    tightening    of    penalties,    the traditional    criminal    response    based    on imprisonment  has  not  demonstrated  sufficient effectiveness    in    terms    of    prevention    or rehabilitation. The objective of the study is to analyze   the   legal   feasibility   of   chemical castration  as  a  sanction  for  sexual  offenses committed against minors, from a doctrinal and constitutional  perspective.  It  concludes  that, under strict regulation and in accordance with the principles of human dignity, proportionality,   and   legality,   this   measure could constitute a legally admissible alternative to reduce recidivism and strengthen the protection of the legally protected interest.