Support for domestic abuse survivors impacted by the early release scheme

This move intends to ease overcrowding in prisons. Early release is based on the offences offenders were in prison for, and not for any other crimes they may have committed.

Domestic abuse crimes that are not eligible for early release include:

• Stalking offences 

• Controlling or coercive behaviours in an intimate or family relationship 

• Non-fatal strangulation and suffocation 

• Breach of restraining order, non-molestation order, and domestic abuse protection order.

For survivors of domestic abuse, this means perpetrators who were in prison for a different crime may have been released from prison early, under this scheme.

Birmingham City Council understands this may be causing fear and anxiety for survivors. Partners across the city have been working together to manage any safety risks. The Domestic Abuse Prevention team commissions specialist support for all survivors, including men and the LGBT+ community.

Councillor Nicky Brennan: Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “Whilst the reports in the news highlight that prisons are nearly full, perpetrators of domestic abuse can still be sent to prison if convicted or remanded in custody by the courts.

“Perpetrators released under this scheme will still have licence conditions and will be recalled if they break any of these conditions.

“Birmingham City Council’s Domestic Abuse Prevention team along with our partner organisations provide specialist support services for anyone who is scared or worried about a loved one who may need help. I urge you to reach out to us so we can help.”

For more information and how to get help, visit: birmingham.gov.uk.

If someone commits a crime, you can still call the police to report it: Birmingham is committed to holding perpetrators of domestic abuse to account. In an emergency, please call 999.

To find out more about the scheme, visit the gov.uk webpage.

Support available

If you are scared or worried, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. There are specialist support services to talk to.

For all survivors:

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid Helpline is open every day 9:15 – 5:15 on 0808 800 0028

Webchat is open Monday to Friday 10 – 4. 

For men:

Cranstoun’s helpline is open Monday to Friday 9-5 on 0121 633 1750, or their website has more information.

For LGBT+ people:

Birmingham LGBT’s helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am – 9pm and Saturdays 11:30am to 7pm on 0121 643 0821, or their website has more information.

You can also find independent victim support through the Victim and Witness Information website.