Andy Burnham has been accused of “abandoning women” as a campaigner warned Labour’s early release scheme could leave domestic abusers back on the streets.
Speaking to GB News, Paola Diana, Executive Chair of the Women’s Policy Centre, raised concerns voluntary manslaughter has been left out of offences set to be subject to tougher restrictions on early release.
In an attempt to block the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers, ministers are said to be mulling an exemption that would stop those convicted of an “unlawful act” of manslaughter from being automatically given leave.
Other forms of manslaughter, such as gross negligence or voluntary manslaughter, would still be released under the plans.
Ms Diana warned the omission could have serious consequences for victims of domestic abuse, the majority of whom are women.
“Once again this Labour government has abandoned women,” the campaigner began.
“We know that voluntary manslaughter affects more domestic abusers. And of course, the victims are predominantly women and children.”
She argued women could be placed at risk if convicted domestic abusers were released early and allowed to return to their communities.
“Women could have their abusers walking the streets near them, knocking on their own front door,” Ms Diana said.
“And if you tell me they’re going to be tagged, and they’ll be safe, I’m not going to believe you.”
Ms Diana said the Government’s approach was “completely illogical”, arguing voluntary manslaughter was a more serious offence because it involved a killing with mitigating circumstances.
“Voluntary manslaughter is far more serious than unlawful manslaughter because it means that it’s a murder with mitigating factors,” she stressed.
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“So if you’re going to avoid the early release for the unlawful act of manslaughter, we have to ban the early release of voluntary manslaughter criminals.”
To that end, the campaigner called on ministers to ensure offenders convicted of voluntary manslaughter remained in prison rather than being released early.
“They have to stay in prison where they can’t harm women and children. Absolutely. 100 per cent,” she insisted.
Ms Diana acknowledged men can also be victims of domestic abuse but stressed women make up the majority of victims.
Her warning comes as Labour faces criticism from other women’s groups after sending out emergency alerts across England and Wales last week.
Women’s Aid said the decision to issue blaring alerts put domestic abuse victims at risk.
The national charity aiming to end domestic abuse called for more forewarning of alerts wherever possible and criticised how there was little chance to protect those hiding secret phones in domestic abuse situations.
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