Bills Aimed at Reducing Prison Overcrowding Put Domestic Violence Victims at Risk, Watchdog Warns.
A new bill before parliament aiming to ease prison overcrowding could ultimately put domestic violence victims in harm's way. The proposed changes allow violent partners to "return to harassing, stalking and abusing" with impunity under the current rules, said Dame Nicole Jacobs, the UK's domestic abuse commissioner, in a letter to Lord Chancellor David Lammy.
Currently, most offenders released on licence or parole who breach conditions are recalled back to prison after 56 days. However, critics argue that this period allows violent partners to continue their abusive behavior before being re-jailed. This can lead to devastating consequences for victims and survivors, says Dame Nicole Jacobs.
Under the proposed changes, domestic abuse perpetrators will be released from prison earlier than usual, with some set to be released just eight weeks after breaching their licence conditions. Critics argue that this could embolden abusers to continue their behavior, putting victims at greater risk.
The watchdog is calling on Lord Chancellor David Lammy to amend the bill to include new risk assessment checks for offenders who contact their victims. This would prioritize the safety of victims and prevent re-jailed abusers from returning to harassing and abusing them.
Critics also claim that ministers are using the bill as a way to ease overcrowding in prisons, without fully considering the consequences for victims. The government argues that the 56-day period will allow probation services to review release plans and licence conditions before offenders are re-released. However, critics argue that this is insufficient protection for vulnerable victims.
The move has sparked outrage among domestic abuse advocates, who claim that the government is not doing enough to support survivors. A Labour manifesto promise to halve violence against females remains unfulfilled, with the publication of a dedicated strategy delayed once again.
With many victims and survivors already facing significant challenges in seeking justice and protection, critics warn that the bill could have severe consequences for those who are most vulnerable.
A new bill before parliament aiming to ease prison overcrowding could ultimately put domestic violence victims in harm's way. The proposed changes allow violent partners to "return to harassing, stalking and abusing" with impunity under the current rules, said Dame Nicole Jacobs, the UK's domestic abuse commissioner, in a letter to Lord Chancellor David Lammy.
Currently, most offenders released on licence or parole who breach conditions are recalled back to prison after 56 days. However, critics argue that this period allows violent partners to continue their abusive behavior before being re-jailed. This can lead to devastating consequences for victims and survivors, says Dame Nicole Jacobs.
Under the proposed changes, domestic abuse perpetrators will be released from prison earlier than usual, with some set to be released just eight weeks after breaching their licence conditions. Critics argue that this could embolden abusers to continue their behavior, putting victims at greater risk.
The watchdog is calling on Lord Chancellor David Lammy to amend the bill to include new risk assessment checks for offenders who contact their victims. This would prioritize the safety of victims and prevent re-jailed abusers from returning to harassing and abusing them.
Critics also claim that ministers are using the bill as a way to ease overcrowding in prisons, without fully considering the consequences for victims. The government argues that the 56-day period will allow probation services to review release plans and licence conditions before offenders are re-released. However, critics argue that this is insufficient protection for vulnerable victims.
The move has sparked outrage among domestic abuse advocates, who claim that the government is not doing enough to support survivors. A Labour manifesto promise to halve violence against females remains unfulfilled, with the publication of a dedicated strategy delayed once again.
With many victims and survivors already facing significant challenges in seeking justice and protection, critics warn that the bill could have severe consequences for those who are most vulnerable.
domestic violence victims need our full support & protection, not to be put at risk by some new law 
the 56-day period just doesn't seem like enough time to keep abusers in check, especially when they're only released if they've been quiet for that long 
can we really afford to gamble with our most vulnerable citizens' safety? 
we need to make sure our justice system is doing everything it can to safeguard them 
. I mean, what's 56 days really gonna do if it gives 'em time to plan next? The gov needs to rethink this bill ASAP. Victims are already strugglin' to get justice, the last thing they need is more abuse 
.
This is so worrying! I think we need to take a step back and really think about how this bill will affect domestic violence victims. 8 weeks is just too short a time for them to feel safe, especially if the abuser knows they'll be released soon. 
We need some kind of safety net in place, like those risk assessment checks mentioned. It's not too much to ask for our most vulnerable citizens. 
domestic violence victims could be put back into danger if they're released early after breaching their conditions 
. 
some people are saying it's all about easing overcrowding in prisons without considering the consequences for the victims... like, what about their safety? 
. This bill is a total disaster waiting to happen 
.