Putting victims first: local support for victims of crime impacted by the Early Prisoner Release Scheme

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the government's changes to prison release arrangements there is support available in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. 

That's the message from Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston, who has bolstered the capacity of the locally based Victim and Witness Hub to ensure victims have access to timely support and information.  

The experienced staff can provide both emotional and practical support for victims and their families – including referrals to home security services and enhanced emotional support programmes.  

The Victim and Witness Care Co-ordinators can also help victims re-establish contact with local specialists who they know and trust through providing previous support. 

Victims whose perpetrators are being released early will be contacted to let them know and signposted to the support available in their county. 

"I understand the anxiety such news could cause especially for victims of domestic violence," explains the Commissioner, "that's why I am keen to raise awareness of the local offer of support available here in our county to ensure victims feel safe, informed and supported.   

"For victims worried about their personal safety we have funded The Bobby Scheme to offer home security assessments, and, where appropriate, supply and install devices from gate and window locks to Ring doorbells. 

“If you are at all worried about what the release of offenders could mean for you, I urge you to contact the Victim and Witness Hub where staff will be able to support you." 

Police and Crime Commissioners were provided with an additional £195,000 over the next two years to bolster the local support available.  

The Commissioner will be working in partnership with the Constabulary and other key stakeholders to ensure victims are supported and safeguarded. 

A national hotline has also been set up by Victim Support. The dedicated Offender Release Helpline provides information, emotional and practical support, and help to access other services for people affected by, or worried about, the release of an offender. You can contact the Helpline on 0808 168 9280. Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).  

Funding was also provided to Women's Aid Federation of England who have set up a community services support fund and a VAWG specific support model.  

The Early Release Scheme, also known as the Progression Model, has been introduced for offenders serving a fixed-term prison sentence with a definite end date, split between time served in custody and time supervised in the community on licence. All offenders released through the Progression Model are subject to licence conditions and a period of intensive supervision.  

For more information about how the Cambridgeshire Victim and Witness hub can support you, call 0800 781 6818 or email: [email protected].