Shock Therapy Report Denied (Press, 24 April 1989)

A report from “The Dominion Sunday Times,” published on 24 April 1989, suggested that New Zealand might resume the use of electric shock treatment for sex offenders, particularly at the new sex offender unit being built at Rolleston Prison. This report was quickly dismissed by the Minister of Justice, Mr Palmer, who termed it “entirely false.” He clarified that no form of shock treatment, including electro-convulsive therapy, had been employed on sex offenders in New Zealand. Historically, a milder version of shock treatment had been administered to sex offenders during the 1960s and early 1970s. This aversion therapy involved delivering slight shocks, typically through the fingers, while patients viewed images of their unacceptable behaviours. Mr Palmer explained that participation in the programme had been voluntary, allowing patients to withdraw at any point. He emphasized that the Justice Department had no intentions of reintroducing such treatments, as alternative therapeutic methods were demonstrating equal or greater efficacy. Furthermore, he stated unequivocally that he would not sanction the use of aversion therapy for any sex offenders. Mr Ralf Unger, the chief clinical psychologist for the Canterbury Hospital Board, reflected on the historical application of aversion therapy, revealing that it was once viewed as “pretty hopeful.” He noted that shock levels were personalised to suit individual patients, allowing for tailored treatment experiences. Unger explained that the intention behind the therapy was to create a negative association with inappropriate behaviours through concurrent shocks when patients viewed related imagery. However, he highlighted that misunderstandings regarding the therapy, particularly concerning treatment of homosexuals, had marred its reputation. Current practices in treatment emphasise positive reinforcement over aversive methods, which, according to Unger, have proven to be more successful. Nonetheless, he appreciated the Justice Department’s reluctance to categorically exclude aversive therapy from future considerations. Overall, Mr Palmer reaffirmed the official stance against reintroducing shock treatments for sex offenders, marking a clear shift in the approach to rehabilitation and treatment strategies within New Zealand's justice system.

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