My life was forever changed due to the traumatic experience of being a victim of Rape as a child. The perpetrator, who was rightfully convicted for the violent act, is now being released early due to a recent change in law. This decision not only undermines the justice I believed was served but also endangers the safety and well-being of other victims and the general community- including children. 

It has recently come to light that changes to criminal justice policies have been passed through Parliament, allowing for the early release of individuals convicted of violent sexual offences.

Today, I received an email informing me that my rapist will be released two years earlier than the sentence originally imposed by the court.

These policy changes, introduced to address prison overcrowding, fail to adequately consider the severity of the crimes committed or the lifelong impact they have on victims. Instead, they inflict further distress, pain, and anguish on those who have already endured unimaginable trauma, forcing them to relive their experiences and face renewed fear and uncertainty.

Statistics show that reoffending rates among released sex offenders are significant. According to research conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 5.3% of released sex offenders are arrested for another sex crime within just three years of their release. This poses a grave risk to public safety, as these individuals are often freed to re-enter our communities without adequate rehabilitation or supervision.

What is changing?

The way some sentences are managed will change. For certain adult prisoners, this may mean they are released earlier than they would have been.

Some offenders will now be released earlier in their sentence than before. Depending on the type of sentence, this means that some offenders will serve 33% of their sentence in prison (down from 40%or 50%), and some will serve 50% (down from 67%). These changes will come into effect from 2nd September 2026.

The early release policy endangers vulnerable individuals and sends a distressing message to victims that their trauma is minimized and overlooked. Survivors deserve a justice system that prioritizes their safety and upholds the sentences of those who have committed atrocious acts of violence against them.

I urge you all to join me in advocating for a reevaluation and reversal of these law changes. We must ensure that violent sexual offenders serve their full sentences and that survivors receive the justice and peace of mind they rightfully deserve

Please sign this petition to demand policymakers reconsider these changes and prioritise the safety of our communities and the rights of victims.