A domestic abuse survivor is deeply worried that her ex-partner, recently released from prison, could be more dangerous than ever. Alena, who has changed her name to protect her identity, has begun making plans for her children "in case something happens and I'm not here" anymore. She is speaking out in the hope of helping other women in similar situations who are facing the possibility of their abusers being released early under a government program. Her former partner was convicted of nine domestic abuse-related charges, including assault and strangulation, and received a nearly four-year prison sentence. However, he is already walking free after serving less than two years. Starting next month, the government plans to release 5,000 offenders in England and Wales earlier than scheduled to reduce overcrowding in prisons. Advocacy groups have raised concerns that releasing domestic abusers early does not deter such behavior and could place survivors at greater risk of harm. Alena has been supported by the mental health charity Woman's Trust, which warns that perpetrators might use the early release scheme to intimidate or silence survivors. She recounted how her ex-partner had previously been arrested for punching her in the face, but was later released on bail, allowing him to continue controlling her. Despite being assaulted in a supermarket with surveillance cameras, police did not pursue the case further. Alena described how the abuse escalated to the point where she was no longer allowed to leave home alone, and her former partner rarely left her side. She was attacked three times in one day, suffering punches and strangulation. After moving away during his imprisonment, she began to rebuild her life, but his release has now disrupted that progress. "For me, his release can represent the return of fear, uncertainty, and the possibility of having to deal with things I have been trying to leave behind," she said. Woman's Trust is urging authorities to consider the needs of survivors and their children when making release decisions, along with safeguarding measures and access to trauma-informed counseling. The charity's CEO, Alice Piller-Roner, emphasized that for survivors, the release of abusers can bring back feelings of risk and fear. She called for proper funding and support to help women and their children recover from the trauma of domestic abuse. Alena encourages other survivors not to let fear "defeat" them. She acknowledges the sacrifices made to leave abusive situations and urges others to remember that they have survived and are still standing. A government spokesperson acknowledged the impact of domestic abuse and highlighted funding and protective measures aimed at supporting victims and reducing violence against women and girls.