The early release of offenders under the Sentencing Act 2026 started this month. For victim-survivors of domestic abuse, the news that someone who has abused them may be released from prison earlier than expected can bring fear, uncertainty and difficult emotions.
Domestic abuse can be perpetrated by a partner, former partner or family member. If you were able to establish safety while the person who abused you was in prison, the prospect of their release may feel frightening. You may have worked hard to rebuild your life, protect your children and regain a sense of security. Now, you may be wondering what their release could mean for your future.
You might be concerned about unwanted contact, your ongoing safety or unresolved family law matters involving the person who abused you. Whatever your circumstances, you deserve to feel safe, understand your options and access support.
The Government has established a dedicated Offender Release Helpline, run by Victim Support, for people affected by or worried about the early release of an offender.
The helpline offers emotional and practical support, helps callers consider their wellbeing and safety, explains how to seek further information about their case, and signposts people to specialist services where appropriate. You can contact the helpline on 0808 168 9280, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, excluding bank holidays.
Please note that the helpline cannot provide information about individual offenders or specific case details and release dates.
Victims First – support across the Thames Valley
If you live in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes or Oxfordshire, Victims First provides free emotional support to people affected by crime.
Telephone support is available on 0300 1234 148:
- Monday to Thursday: 9am–6pm
- Friday: 9am–4.30pm
A live chat service is also available 24 hours a day through the Victims First website.
For further information about support relating to the early release scheme, visit the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner website.
How FLAG DV can support you
At FLAG DV, we recognise that the release of someone who has abused you can raise questions about your safety, your children and your legal rights.
Domestic abuse does not only happen within intimate relationships. It can also be perpetrated by a parent, adult child, sibling or another family member. Whatever your relationship with the person who has harmed you, you may have family law matters that need attention, including protective orders, child arrangements, separation, divorce or financial matters.
FLAG DV provides free, impartial and trauma-informed family law advice and support to people aged 18 and over who have a family law matter arising from domestic abuse. Our service areas include Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Hampshire.
Our three services include:
1. Free Family Law Advice
Our free legal advice service provides an appointment with a family law lawyer who will offer advice tailored to your circumstances. This can help you understand your legal rights, explore available options and consider possible next steps.
Advice may cover protective orders, child arrangements, separation and divorce, or financial matters, including the family home and division of assets.
2. Family Court Support
For victim-survivors attending family court in Berkshire in relation to domestic abuse, we provide free, trauma-informed practical and emotional support before and during hearings.
Our court support workers help you navigate the process with greater confidence and understanding.
3. Breaking The Fear
Breaking The Fear is a free online four-week programme for victim-survivors who are due to attend, or are currently attending, family court.
The programme explains what to expect, introduces the professionals involved and helps you prepare both emotionally and practically for attending court. It is available across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Hampshire.
We have also ensured that information about FLAG DV’s services has been shared with the national Victim Support helpline, so should someone from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire or Hampshire contact them and need family law advice or support, Victim Support will be able to signpost them to our service.
You do not have to face this alone
If you need to find out who your local Domestic Abuse Support Provider is, you can visit your local county council website and search for domestic abuse support, or you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 2000 247
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
For support relating to an offender’s early release, contact the Offender Release Helpline on 0808 168 9280.
To find out more about FLAG DV’s free family law advice and support, visit www.flagdv.org.uk.
Whatever your relationship with the person who abused you, you deserve to feel safe and supported as you move forward with your life.
