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Hourglass is calling for domestic abuse perpetrators to be excluded from new prisoner-release arrangements due to take effect on 1st October.
Under the changes, some prisoners serving standard determinate sentences may be released after one-third of their custodial term. Although the Government has excluded some offences, domestic abuse perpetrators have not been excluded as a category.
Richard Robinson, Chief Executive of Hourglass, said:
“The Government was right to strengthen protections for victims of sexual offences, but the decision not to exclude domestic abuse perpetrators leaves a serious and foreseeable gap.
“Domestic abuse is often prosecuted through general offences such as assault or criminal damage. Looking only at the offence on someone’s prison record may tell us very little about the pattern of coercion, intimidation and control, or the risk they continue to pose.
“For an older victim-survivor, the perpetrator may be an adult child, another relative or someone they have depended upon for care or support. They may retain access through family relationships, caring arrangements or control over the victim’s finances. Release can bring renewed contact, pressure and the return of abuse.
“The prison-capacity crisis cannot be resolved by transferring risk from the prison system to a victim’s front door. If the necessary protections cannot be guaranteed by 1st October, releases involving domestic abuse perpetrators should be delayed.”
Hourglass is calling for:
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Offenders whose crimes or known history involve domestic abuse to be excluded from the new early-release arrangements.
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Comprehensive pre-release risk assessments drawing on police, probation, court and safeguarding information - not simply the offence or the individual’s behaviour in prison.
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The Victim Contact Scheme to cover every domestic abuse victim-survivor affected, with victims informed in good time and involved in decisions about licence conditions and geographical restrictions.
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Properly resourced police, probation and specialist services to monitor perpetrators, enforce conditions and support victims before and after release.
ENDS
Hourglass is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or texting SAFER to 70460 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and supporters will be opting in to hear more about Hourglass’ work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. To donate without receiving marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.
Hourglass media contacts:
Richard Robinson, CEO
richardrobinson@wearehourglass.org
07552 245232 / 07807 229447
Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO / Policy Director
veronicagray@wearehourglass.org
07496 663816
Notes to Editors:
Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity focused solely on ending the abuse and neglect of older people.
Every year, one in six people aged 60 and over experience abuse - equivalent to almost 2.7 million older people across the UK.
The charity provides a free 24/7 helpline (0808 808 8141), community-based support and policy advocacy focused on creating a safer ageing society.
About Hourglass
Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect of older people. The charity works to raise awareness, influence public policy and provide support to older victim-survivors and those concerned about them.
Hourglass operates the only UK-wide 24/7 helpline dedicated to the abuse of older people, providing confidential information and support every day of the year on 0808 808 8141.
Hourglass is a registered charity in England and Wales (1140543) and Scotland (SC046278).
