Fiona Goddard, a survivor of grooming gang abuse, has expressed her distress over the potential early release of her abusers, who were convicted in 2019. The Labour Government’s early release scheme could allow these offenders to serve just a third of their sentence, raising significant concerns for victims like Goddard, who feel their trauma is being disregarded.
Receiving a letter from her victim liaison officer, Goddard stated that this news has turned her life upside down, triggering past trauma and making her feel unsafe in her own home. She is now contemplating moving to protect her family from the potential presence of her abusers in the community.
Goddard has called for a re-evaluation of the early release policies, insisting that rapists and child sex offenders should be exempt from such schemes. She argues that allowing these offenders to be released early sends a dangerous message about the seriousness of their crimes and further victimises those who have already suffered.
The Ministry of Justice has responded by highlighting efforts to reform the prison system and ensure that dangerous criminals are kept behind bars. However, for survivors like Goddard, the fear of their abusers’ return looms large, overshadowing any assurances of safety from the government.
Source: GB News
