For Rhianon, the promise of safety felt like a ticking clock. As a survivor of abuse, she lived with the chilling knowledge that the protective measures in place would eventually expire, leaving her vulnerable once more. “All victims should be able to live fear free,” she insists, “not just in their homes, but in their communities.” The current system, she felt, unfairly prioritized the rights of the perpetrator over the fundamental need for a victim’s peace of mind.
Roann Court knows this fear intimately. Fifteen years old when she witnessed her mother’s murder, Roann was later told she wouldn’t even be granted the knowledge of what her mother’s killer looked like upon his release. The justification? Protecting his privacy, allowing him to rebuild his life. “He is basically allowed to get on with his life,” she says, a stark contrast to the life she now leads, perpetually looking over her shoulder. “Whereas me… I definitely feel trapped.”
The weight of uncertainty is crushing. Diagnosed with complex PTSD and hypervigilance, Roann found herself retreating into a rigid routine, constantly checking in with family, limiting her movements, haunted by the question: “Could he be here?” The release triggered a resurgence of trauma, a stark reminder that freedom for one can mean a lifetime of fear for another.
For too long, the burden of safety has fallen squarely on the shoulders of victims, while perpetrators moved with relative freedom. But a shift is underway. New orders are being implemented that aim to reverse this dynamic, establishing enforceable restriction zones and utilizing electronic tagging to monitor offenders’ movements. These aren’t simply bureaucratic measures; they are vital safeguards designed to protect those rebuilding their lives.
Diana Parkes, co-founder of The Joanna Simpson Foundation, believes this marks a crucial turning point. “We’ve been calling for stronger, enforceable restriction zones that put the safety of victims first for some time,” she explains. The removal of arbitrary time limits on protections acknowledges the long-lasting impact of abuse and the arduous journey of recovery.
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, also of The Joanna Simpson Foundation, emphasizes the importance of consistent application. “What matters now is that these powers are used consistently and confidently so survivors can trust that the promises made today will hold tomorrow.” Robust training for frontline officers is essential, ensuring every survivor is met with belief and decisive action.
Beyond restriction zones, a comprehensive strategy is taking shape. Plans include the introduction of specialist rape and sex offences investigators in every police force by 2029, replacing a system where detectives lacking specialized knowledge often handled sensitive cases. Reforms are also being explored to expedite the deportation of foreign sex offenders and widen disclosure schemes, allowing partners to access information about an offender’s past convictions.
The government has declared violence against women and girls a national emergency, with a commitment to halving its prevalence within a decade. This ambitious goal is underpinned by a determination to dismantle the structures that allow abusers to operate with impunity. The message is clear: rapists, sex offenders, and abusers will have nowhere to hide.
However, concerns remain. Campaigners highlight the potential for a postcode lottery in responses, as individual police forces implement changes at varying speeds. Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, urges police forces to prioritize implementation without delay, acknowledging the lengthy delays already faced by survivors seeking justice.
The upcoming publication of the violence against women and girls strategy is eagerly anticipated, but the delay has drawn criticism, fueling concerns that the issue isn’t being prioritized. The need for swift, decisive action is paramount, ensuring that the promises of protection translate into tangible safety for those who have suffered in silence for too long.
