‘Whilst we are pleased that the Government has introduced exemptions for domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking offence in their plans for early release, we share the Domestic Abuse Commissioners concerns that some victims whose perpetrators were convicted of crimes that are not exemption, such as common assault, may be released earlier and not all survivors will have been contacted.
Women will be scared that their abuser knows where they are and will be able to get to them sooner than they had planned. Survivors need to be informed and protected if their abuser is being released early and it is concerning to hear that those in the probation service themselves are worried about their capacity to do this. Even in ordinary times we see a lack of communication in relation to release from custody and that they will often try to contact survivors. We are concerned that these services have only been given eight weeks notice (or less) and they are already hard pushed, that this is not long enough for full risk assessment, upskilling and training to organise additional support and this is huge concern as women will be at risk.
Specialist services like Solace can help survivors to plan for their safety and provide extra support ahead of someone being released but that relies on survivors and services being made aware so we can help women to keep safe, and support them at an incredible stressful time.
We also need to make sure that those that are serving more of their sentences in the community now will actually be recalled if there are breaches of their conditions. Survivors need to be reassured that with the prisons being overcrowded, that breaches of any conditions, including contacting survivors, will be dealt with robustly still and their safety is paramount’. Nahar Choudhury, Solace CEO
If you need support then you contact Solace on 0808 802 5565 or email advice@solacewomensaid.org