PRESS RELEASE

We must all stand together in our campaign for change

As we mark One Billion Rising, Caroline tables Motion: all survivors of domestic abuse or sexual violence must have the right to be informed when their attackers are released from prison

Caroline has called for urgent action to better protect all survivors of abuse and violence.

Currently, when a perpetrator of domestic abuse or sexual violence is sentenced to less than 12 months in prison, it is not required that a survivor be informed of their abuser’s release.

She says it must be every survivor’s right, if they choose, to be told when their attackers are freed - and has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM – see notes below) to call for a change in the law.

The EDM has already received cross-party support, including from Peter Bottomley, Conservative MP for Worthing West.

It comes as people around the world prepare to mark One Billion Rising, held annually on Valentine’s Day.

Caroline said: “This is a matter of rights, and justice and protection. It’s essential that every survivor is given the right to know when their abuser is freed. It’s the Government’s responsibility to recognise that right. Currently, it does not – and as such, survivors are being failed and could be placed in danger.”

She added: “An estimated two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner. It’s crucial we address all the underlying causes of violence against women and girls – and that we recognise the needs and desires of survivors as paramount. The law, as it stands, doesn’t support that principle – we must all stand together to ensure that changes.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information about One Billion Rising, check its website here

Caroline Lucas MP is a founding member of Brighton Women's Voices and a patron of Brighton-based national charity, For Our Daughters

Caroline has campaigned to protect funding for refuges, and backed the Women’s Aid SOS campaign in Parliament

Caroline’s EDM in full:

INFORMING SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE WHEN THEIR ATTACKERS ARE RELEASED FROM PRISON

That this House notes that if a perpetrator of domestic abuse or sexual violence is sentenced to less than 12 months the survivor of the abuse will not be routinely informed when the offender is released; calls on the Government to take urgent steps to ensure all survivors of domestic abuse or sexual violence are routinely informed, if they so wish, when their attackers are released from prison.