Various arrangements are in place to reduce the risk of unwanted contact from offenders, including:
Victims or their relatives who receive unwanted contact from offenders in custody may contact the National Offender Management Service victims’ helpline. Helpline staff will forward concerns to the relevant prison governor to consider and take action as appropriate.
The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 places a statutory duty on the Probation Service to provide services to victims of crimes committed by specified offenders. Prior to such an offender being released from custody, victims receiving services under these arrangements will be asked if they wish to make representations about conditions that might be attached to an offender’s licence. Conditions which relate to victims, might for example, include non-contact with the victim or members of their families or a geographical exclusion zone into which the offender is not allowed to travel. Breaches of these conditions can result in the offender’s recall to custody.