Lack of safeguards over prisoners’ early release puts abuse victims at risk, Lammy warned
Summary
Ministers in England and Wales are being urged to pause the early release of offenders convicted of crimes against women and girls due to missing safety measures for victims. The new law aims to reduce prison overcrowding but lacks promised safeguards and support for abuse victims, causing distress and concern among charities and officials.Key Facts
- A new law will allow some prisoners convicted of crimes against women and girls to be released early starting in September.
- Victims’ and domestic abuse commissioners have asked ministers to stop these releases until safety plans are in place.
- The law was created to help with a long-standing problem of too many people in prisons.
- Promised measures like a victim helpline and thorough risk checks before release are not ready yet.
- Charities report victims feel anxious and some have installed CCTV for protection after receiving early release notices.
- More than 38,000 prisoners were released early under emergency rules due to prison overcrowding before this law.
- Some government officials, including a former safeguarding minister, warned about risks before the law passed but say concerns were ignored.
- Officials say poor communication with victims has harmed trust in the justice system.
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