The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Nicole Jacobs, has responded to the announcement by Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk MP, that the Prison Service will be allowed to release some prisoners on short custodial sentences up to 18 days early.
This measure is more likely to impact on the risk and wellbeing of victims. She says: “Many of those serving short sentences will be in prison for domestic abuse and stalking offences. The Ministry of Justice must seriously consider the safety of victims of domestic abuse and set out clearly how they will be protected.
We cannot guarantee safety unless these reforms are accompanied by strong investment in high-quality perpetrator interventions and support for victims and survivors, as well as robust safety planning measures.”
