Domestic abuse
If you’ve experienced domestic abuse, news about changes to prison release arrangements may feel particularly worrying.
You may have concerns about your safety, unwanted contact from the offender, or what the changes could mean for you and your loved ones.
You might also find that hearing about these changes brings back difficult memories or emotions.
Whatever you’re feeling, support is available.
If you're concerned about your safety because of an offender's release, it's important to talk about those concerns.
If you're part of the Victim Contact Scheme, your victim liaison officer may be able to discuss any information available about the offender's release and explain whether any licence conditions are relevant to your circumstances. (Licence conditions are the rules offenders must follow when released.)
If you're unsure about how to request information, you can contact our Offender Release Helpline for advice on 0808 168 9280. Our helpline advisors can explain how to ask for information but cannot tell you whether a specific offender is affected.
If you're in immediate danger, always call 999.
Victim Support can provide emotional support, practical guidance and help you explore your options.
Depending on your circumstances, we may also be able to refer you to specialist domestic abuse services.
This may include support from an independent domestic violence adviser (IDVA). IDVAs work with people who have experienced domestic abuse and can help with safety planning, understanding your options and accessing other services.
If you’re not sure what support is right for you, we can talk through your situation and help you find the most appropriate support.
Domestic abuse can affect children and young people, whether they have experienced the abuse directly or witnessed it happening.
News that an offender may be released from prison can raise new worries or questions for children and young people, even if the abuse happened some time ago.
If you’re worried about how a child or young person is coping, or worried about their safety, we can help you understand what support may be available. We can also help you access specialist services where needed.
Find out more on our Children and young people page.
If you're worried about changes to prison release arrangements, you do not have to cope with it alone.
Our Offender Release Helpline can provide emotional support, practical guidance and help you understand what support may be available.
If you need ongoing support, we may be able to refer you to a Victim Support service in your area. Depending on your circumstances, this could include support from a caseworker or referrals to specialist domestic abuse services.
Call: 0808 168 9280
You can also access My Support Space, our free app, for self-guided support. It contains practical information, coping techniques and activities to help you manage difficult thoughts and feelings in your own time.
