Putting victims first as support measures are strengthened following prison early release changes

Putting victims first as support measures are strengthened following prison early release changes

Last month, I wrote about the Government's prison early release arrangements and the importance of ensuring victims remain protected, informed and supported as these changes are implemented.

At the time, I welcomed additional funding from the Ministry of Justice to help mitigate the impact on victims and communities and promised to provide an update on how that funding would be used locally.

I am pleased to confirm that my office has received £195,000 for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly through the Prison Early Release Surge Fund, providing an opportunity to strengthen support for victims, improve access to information and introduce additional measures to help people feel safer.

While decisions about prison release arrangements are made nationally, our responsibility locally is clear. Victims must continue to receive the support, reassurance and protection they need, particularly during what can be an anxious and uncertain time.

For many victims, the prospect of an offender being released from custody can bring understandable concerns about their safety and wellbeing. That is why my office has worked closely with criminal justice partners to develop a package of measures focused on practical support, clear communication and stronger partnership working.

A key part of this approach will be the creation of two dedicated roles within the Victim Care Unit. An Early Release Scheme Victim Care Officer and a Victim Care Advocate will act as direct points of contact for victims affected by offender release. They will provide information about release arrangements, support safety planning and work alongside police, probation and safeguarding agencies to ensure victims' views are considered throughout the process.

These roles will also help victims access emotional and practical support, including referrals to specialist counselling and therapeutic services where appropriate.

The funding will also enable further investment in Criminal Justice and You, an online resource developed by victims for victims to help people understand the criminal justice system, what to expect throughout their journey and where to access support.

As part of this work, new information relating specifically to prison release arrangements will be added to the resource, helping victims better understand the process and access reliable information when they need it. We will also work to raise awareness of the resource among victims, professionals and the wider public so more people know where to turn for guidance and support.

Alongside this, a dedicated target hardening fund will provide practical measures to help victims feel safer. Depending on individual circumstances, this could include enhanced home security measures such as reinforced locks, CCTV cameras, personal safety alarms, window restrictors, SmartWater property marking products and access to the TecSAFE safety app.

While these measures may appear simple, they can make a significant difference to people who are rebuilding their lives after crime, helping to restore confidence and provide reassurance.

The funding will also support the creation of a new multi-agency scrutiny panel through the Devon and Cornwall Local Criminal Justice Board. Meeting every six months, the panel will review cases involving early release arrangements, identify opportunities for improvement and strengthen partnership working across the criminal justice system.

Victims' experiences must help shape the services designed to support them. By bringing agencies together to review cases and share learning, we can ensure that support continues to evolve and that victims remain at the centre of decision-making.

As I said previously, effective victim protection is about far more than managing offenders. It is about ensuring victims have clear information, access to support, a voice in decisions that affect them and confidence that agencies are working together to keep them safe.

This funding allows us to turn commitment into action. Through enhanced support services, improved information, practical safety measures and stronger partnership oversight, we are taking important steps to ensure victims across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly receive the help they need.

My office will continue to work closely with local and national partners to deliver these improvements and ensure victims remain at the heart of our approach.

To find out more about the support available, including information about the Sentencing Act 2026 changes, visit the Victim Care Devon & Cornwall website.