The victims commissioner and the domestic abuse commissioner have urged the government to pause planned early releases of offenders convicted of crimes against women and girls, warning that a lack of safeguards puts abuse victims at risk. In separate letters to ministers, Claire Waxman and Nicole Jacobs said promises made before the Sentencing Act was passed had not been kept.
The law, due to take effect from September, was introduced to ease prison overcrowding in England and Wales. However, the commissioners said that required protections—including a dedicated helpline, thorough risk assessments, and proper communication with victims—were not in place. They accused Justice Secretary David Lammy and Prisons Minister James Timpson of breaking commitments.
Charities reported that victims have been thrown into panic after receiving letters informing them of offenders' early release. Some have installed CCTV for protection. Jess Phillips, former safeguarding minister, said the state was leaving the burden of the prisons crisis on victims and called for a halt to releases until proper risk assessments are guaranteed.
Waxman said victims felt 'betrayed by the justice system' and described the letters as 'disastrous for trust'. Jacobs wrote that none of the promised safeguards had been met. One victim of child sexual abuse told Waxman she bought CCTV, saying she no longer trusted the government to keep her safe.
Under emergency measures, more than 38,000 prisoners were released after Labour came to power. Unlike those, the Sentencing Act includes no exemptions for serious crimes or domestic abuse. The Conservatives met victims? The article ends abruptly, but we can conclude by noting the ongoing crisis.
