Key facts
- Ministers have been warned that a new law allowing early prisoner releases risks leaving abuse victims vulnerable due to a lack of safeguards.
- The Victims Commissioner and Domestic Abuse Commissioner have urged ministers to pause the Sentencing Act, which takes effect in September.
- Charities report that victims are experiencing panic and anxiety after receiving letters informing them of early releases.
- Jess Phillips, former safeguarding minister, stated her concerns about risk analysis were not acted upon before the bill passed.
- Promises of a dedicated victim helpline, thorough risk checks, and full perpetrator risk information have not been met, according to the commissioners.
- The Ministry of Justice stated public safety and victim support are top priorities, with investments in probation and victim services.
Ministers have been warned that a failure to implement adequate safeguards ahead of planned early prisoner releases under the new Sentencing Act will put abuse victims at risk. The law, set to take effect in September, aims to alleviate prison overcrowding but includes no exemptions for those convicted of serious crimes, domestic abuse, or terrorism.
Victims Commissioner Claire Waxman and Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs have separately written to Justice Secretary David Lammy and Prisons Minister James Timpson, urging a pause on the releases. They state that specific reassurances given before the bill passed, regarding victim notification, safety measures, and thorough risk assessments, have not been met. Jacobs noted that planning for a promised dedicated victim helpline has not even begun.
Charities like Rape Crisis warn that support services risk being overwhelmed as more victims learn of their abusers' impending release dates. Some victims have reported feeling betrayed and have taken personal security measures, such as installing CCTV, due to a lack of trust in the justice system's ability to protect them. Jess Phillips, former safeguarding minister, also voiced concerns that her warnings about risk analysis were ignored.
The Ministry of Justice maintains that public safety and victim support are top priorities, highlighting investments in probation services and victim support. They assert that the reforms are necessary to address the prison crisis and prevent prisons from running out of space. The government is also investing in building more prison places and expanding electronic tagging with strict licence conditions for offenders.