Refuge has expressed dismay at the decision of the government to allow domestic abuse perpetrators to remain within the early release scheme.
This scheme will see some prisoners released earlier than expected and was laid out in the Sentencing Act 2026. Following an outcry, it is currently under review and some types of prisoners will now be ineligible. The government has confirmed those convicted of serious sex offences involving a child, grooming and rape will not be eligible for early release. However, prisoners serving sentences for domestic abuse will still be eligible, much to the ire of Refuge.
It has stated this decision puts the victims of those crimes in serious danger. This is a viewpoint that a domestic violence solicitor in North Wales or England may be likely to share.
Alice Russell-Harris works for Refuge as its public affairs chief. She told Today’s Family Lawyer that the government had been warned about the dangers of releasing such prisoners. She added that opting to let domestic abusers remain eligible was extremely worrying.
Russell-Harris went on by saying:
“The new prime minister took on the mission to halve violence against women and girls, yet this decision risks undermining that commitment by sending the message that domestic abuse is not being treated with the seriousness it deserves.”
The move to release some prisoners from jail early is an attempt to deal with a crisis in prison capacity.
At Bennett Smith Solicitors, we provide legal help with sensitive issues concerning domestic abuse. To speak to our solicitors in Gwynedd, call now.
