As a survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse, I am stepping forward not only to protect myself but also others who may fall victim to similar circumstances. The perpetrator of my trauma, was sentenced under the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) scheme. This scheme is designed to keep dangerous criminals, especially those convicted of sexual offenses, off our streets and away from potential victims.

However, this morning I was notified by the Victim Contact Scheme, part of the Ministry of Justice, that there are Government amendments to the Victims and Prisoners Bill that threaten this safety measure. The changes which have the backing of our current Government aim at easing the process for terminating these licenses - a move that could potentially release these offenders back into society prematurely without any supervision whatsoever!

As part of the Government response to the Justice Select Committee’s
recommendations about the Imprisonment for Public Protection Sentence (IPP), the Secretary of State for Justice has announced plans to reduce the minimum period offenders serving an IPP sentence must spend on license before the Parole Board consider terminating the license from 10 years to 3years. This measure has been included in the Victims and Prisoners Bill, which is currently before Parliament.

If granted parole current perpetrators who have committed sexual crimes and sentenced under IPP will have supervised license conditions for a minimum of 10 years, the governments plan is to reduce this to 3 years!  This is alarming as studies show that sex offenders have a recidivism rate of 5.3% within three years (source: Bureau of Justice Statistics).  The maximum license will be 5 years if they do not get recalled to prison. 

At the point the new legislation commences, if it has been five or more years since the offender’s first release and they have spent the last two years continuously in the community, they will have their IPP license terminated without the need for a review!! They will be free in society with no one to report to and no supervision free to possibly offend again putting the public and our children at risk.

In my personal case this would mean that a twice convicted sex offender who continually raped young girls under the age 13 over 7 years will be set free with no review. 

This is not yet law however, for a Bill to become law, it must be agreed to by both Houses of Parliament. The Bill has completed its progress through the House of Commons and is expected to complete its passage through the House of Lords by Easter 2024.

We cannot afford to gamble with public safety and risk more innocent lives being affected by such heinous crimes. We need our government's commitment in ensuring every possible measure is taken to protect its citizens. WE NEED TO ACT NOW!

I urge you all to stand with me in opposing these amendments and demanding the government maintain stringent regulations on IPP sentences particularly for sexual offenses. Please sign this petition and let us together demand justice and safety for all survivors and potential victims out there!