Over the past couple of weeks, many victims will have started to receive letters informing them that offenders are to be released from prison, under licence, earlier than expected. This is due to measures in the Sentencing Act which became law earlier this year. 

Still more victims won't be eligible to receive these updates and will find offenders released earlier than expected without their knowledge and without an opportunity to influence the conditions they're let out on. 

Having already endured long waits for justice, often with their lives kept on hold, and the distress of going to court, many people will be shocked and frightened to learn that offenders will be released months – or even years – earlier than expected.

The measure, brought in with of the aim of relieving the prison crisis, cannot leave victims as an afterthought.  

The Government must not lose sight of the impact this could have on victims' sense of safety and trust in the justice system. Clear, timely communication is essential, and victims must be listened to and treated with respect so they can access the protections and support they need. 

Many victims will not be eligible for the Victim Contact Scheme, which would inform of them of early release – or, understandably, they may have decided not to receive regular updates as they seek to move on with their lives.  

Now, these same victims will be hearing news of early releases through the media, and feeling fear and confusion about what this means for them. 

If you are in this position, this is what you can do: 

• If you are a victim-survivor of a serious sexual or violent offence where the offender has been sentenced to 12 months or more, you may be eligible for the Victim Contact Scheme (VCS). 

• If you have already opted into the VCS, you should have received a letter over the past couple of weeks if you are affected by the early release changes. You can contact vcsenquiries@justice.gov.uk for more information. 

• If you think you are eligible for the VCS, but are not opted into the scheme, or if you are not sure whether you are, you can contact the scheme for more information: vcsenquiries@justice.gov.uk. 

• Many of those affected will no longer be receiving support from victims' services, so will be receiving the news and having to manage this alone. You can reach back out to services, like those we provide at Victim Support, for emotional reassurance and potential practical support due to concerns of risk.  

You can call us on 08 08 1689 1111 or reach out via live chat. 

Victim-survivors are facing the brunt of a broken system. They should not be forced to make their world smaller due to fear because of a prison crisis which is not their fault.