Thirteen survivors of child sexual exploitation are travelling to Downing Street today to urge Prime Minister Andy Burnham to rethink the Sentencing Act 2026 as a matter of urgency. They warn that proposals to release some serious offenders early are having a devastating impact on survivors’ mental health and sense of safety.

The group, which includes our client Sarah Wilson who has waived her anonymity, will deliver an open letter to Downing Street alongside a petition that has gained over 100,000 signatures. The petition calls on the Government to ensure victims’ rights, safety and wellbeing are properly considered before decisions are made about the early release of offenders convicted of rape, child sexual abuse and other serious offences.

The group have previously shared their views with Switalskis and the impact early release has had on their mental health.

Represented by Switalskis, the survivors say they have repeatedly raised concerns with Government but feel their voices have been ignored. Many continue to live in the communities where they were abused, while others waived their anonymity to seek justice and encourage other victims to come forward. Speaking with Good Morning Britain , they say the prospect of offenders being released early has left them feeling vulnerable, unsafe and forgotten.

Amy Clowrey , Director and specialist abuse solicitor at Switalskis, says:

"Throughout this process, survivors have once again been treated as an afterthought, when they should have been at the heart of every decision.

“These women endured unimaginable abuse and exploitation as children. They were failed by the institutions that should have protected them, and many have spent years fighting to have their voices heard. The handling of the Sentencing Act and the early release scheme risks repeating those same failures, leaving survivors feeling that their experiences, safety and wellbeing continue to be overlooked.

“Our clients have repeatedly raised legitimate concerns about the impact these releases could have on their lives and their recovery. Despite campaigning tirelessly, they feel they have not been listened to. The uncertainty surrounding this process, coupled with a lack of meaningful communication, has had a profound impact on survivors' mental health. For many, it has also reignited fears for their personal safety.

“Some of these women still live close to where they were abused. Some have faced their perpetrators in court, while others waived their anonymity to ensure those responsible were held to account and to give other survivors the confidence to come forward. They should not now be left feeling exposed, vulnerable or forgotten.

“The Prime Minister must act with urgency. Survivors deserve to know that their rights, their safety and their voices matter. They have already been failed once by the systems that were supposed to protect them. They should not have to fight to be heard all over again."

Find out how Switalskis can help you

Every survivor of abuse deserves justice. That means holding perpetrators fully accountable, and it also means ensuring survivors are supported to reclaim their voice, rebuild their sense of control, and pursue the compensation they are entitled to for the harm they have suffered.

At Switalskis, our specialist abuse lawyers have decades of experience in representing survivors of child sexual exploitation. We understand that such cases are very emotional for clients and often legally complex, therefore we are dedicated to providing a supportive and professional environment in which our clients can feel confident in our services. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

If you have been impacted and would like to discuss your experience in confidence, our specialist abuse team   can help. Call 0800 1380 458  or email help@switalskis.com.