Hearing that their perpetrators may be released months or even years earlier than expected will strike fear into the hearts of many victims and survivors, according to campaigners. A letter to the Guardian highlights the lack of safeguards over prisoners' early release, warning that abuse victims are at risk. Katie Kempen, chief executive of Victim Support, stated: 'Fixing the prisons crisis is essential, but victims and survivors must not be an afterthought in the government’s plan.' She added that a failure to get it right could irreparably damage victims’ sense of safety and trust in the justice system.
Victims Left in the Dark
Kempen noted that unless eligible for the victim contact scheme, which few are, most victims have no way of finding out in advance if they are affected by early releases. 'Once again, victims are bearing the brunt of a broken system. Every victim deserves to be listened to, treated with respect and given the timely support and information they need,' she said.
Arguments for Early Release
Frances Crook, former CEO of the Howard League for Penal Reform, offered a contrasting perspective. She argued that prisoners are being released 'earlier' rather than 'early,' as they would normally be released partway through their sentence. Crook outlined three reasons for early release: first, if prisoners serve their full term inside, they are released with no supervision or possibility of recall, arguably putting victims at greater risk. Second, early release provides a period of supervision back in the community after dire prison conditions. Third, prison sentences have been grossly inflated over the past 30 years, and earlier releases bring sentences back to a reasonable term.
Need for Radical Change
Crook concluded: 'Something must be done about prisons and sentences. Earlier releases are expedient, but not an answer. The government must be brave and honest with the public – prisons are doing more harm than good, and we need radical change.'
