Refuge responds to the second tranche of releases under the SDS40 early release scheme
Responding to the second tranche of releases under the SDS40 early release scheme, Abigail Ampofo, interim CEO of Refuge, said:
“With the second tranche of releases set to commence on Tuesday 22nd October, Refuge still has serious concerns that the SDS40 early release scheme is putting domestic abuse survivors’ safety in jeopardy.
“Following the first tranche of releases in September, we have seen reports that some offenders are being released without the fitting of electronic tracking devices, as well as reports of re-offending from newly released prisoners and insufficient accommodation provisions for released offenders.
“We were also highly alarmed that three-dozen offenders who had breached restraining orders – and therefore should have been exempt from the scheme, in line with government commitments to the VAWG sector – were wrongly set free at the end of September.
“While these offenders have since been returned to prison, the continued failings of the justice system to prevent the release of domestic abuse perpetrators under the scheme are truly disappointing.
“Refuge recognises the need to ease pressure on prison estates. However, when the criminal justice system fails to recognise the real risks abusers pose to survivors’ safety, this can have devastating repercussions.
“Refuge reiterates our call for all perpetrators of domestic abuse and VAWG to be exempt from early release schemes. We also emphasise the importance of extending the Victim Contact Scheme to all survivors of domestic abuse so that every survivor will know if and when their perpetrator is being released.
“For any survivors who are concerned about the early release scheme, Refuge’s 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247 all year round, and confidential live chat is accessible online via www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.”