Hundreds of prisoners have walked free under the government's early release scheme, amid admissions from ministers that the policy could put domestic abuse survivors at risk.

For one mother, the impact of those releases has led to an immediate decision to leave the country. Karen Haynes told GB News that she is now fleeing Britain with her children, fearing for their safety after learning her abusive ex-husband was let out of prison under Labour's initiative.

Speaking on Martin Daubney's programme, Ms Haynes described enduring decades of coercive control. She explained that the relationship initially began with gift-giving and what she called "love bombing," leaving her living in a "gilded cage." Over time, her partner's behaviour shifted into severe control, dictating what she wore, where she went, and cutting her off from her family.

The control and abuse eventually escalated to the point where Ms Haynes said she faced repeated death threats and attempted to take her own life after feeling completely trapped. She noted that his behaviour worsened as he realised she was determined to leave the relationship.

The news of his release arrived without warning through the letterbox. Ms Haynes explained that she received an "insulting letter in the post" on a Saturday morning, leaving her with no immediate support services to contact over the weekend. Having spent four and a half years holding her family together through a contested trial where he pleaded not guilty, she said receiving the notification left her devastated.

That letter prompted her decision to move her family abroad. Ms Haynes told the broadcaster that she and her children could not continue living "under his shadow" or constantly looking over their shoulders, adding that moving away was the only way to stay properly safe and build a future.

The broader release has drawn sharp public criticism. Sarah Pochin criticised the policy as a "betrayal of British citizens" as around 700 prisoners were scheduled to walk free.

Expressing her concern over the rollout, Ms Haynes issued a direct warning to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, stating that the government would have "blood on his hands" if the early release scheme continues. She warned that frontline services, including police, hospitals, Women's Aid, and Victim Support, would be overwhelmed, adding that probation services are already struggling with tagging guarantees and administrative errors.

Responding to the criticisms, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson told GB News that domestic abuse has a profound and lasting impact on victims and that the department is determined to stamp out these crimes. The spokesperson added that anyone freed under the scheme faces the toughest controls ever placed on their movements.

What we don't know yet is whether those strict licence conditions and probation resources will prove sufficient to monitor offenders effectively on the ground.

If you or someone you know is affected by emotional distress or struggling to cope, the Samaritans offer confidential, anonymous support. I'll be following this one — check back for updates.