// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
We fear for our lives after being told our abusive exes will be freed from jail early
Claire Milne said she was "scared" her ex-husband "will come after me"
Three women who have been told their abusive ex-partners will be released early from jail as part of controversial plans to free up prison space have said they fear for their safety.
Around 700 offenders will leave prison in England and Wales on Thursday under the government's early prisoner release plan - with a further 3,800 scheduled for release over the next year.
Ahead of the releases, victims have been sent letters informing them that their attackers will be let out early.
Claire Milne's ex-husband, Robert Dales, was convicted in March this year of coercive control and possessing offensive weapons, including samurai and ninja swords. He was sentenced to three years in prison.
"There was physical violence," said Milne. "There were threats to kill, there was punching of doors, punching of walls. I trod on egg shells throughout the entire relationship and it was almost like I had to coach myself into what to say just to ensure there wouldn't be an escalation."
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) recently told her Dales, 36, would be released early.
"I am scared that he will come after me. I don't want to die," she said. "I am not a silly woman - I know that I've been in a very high-risk domestic abuse relationship and I know what he's capable of because I lived it."
She said she was "incredibly angry" with the government, who were "not listening to victims".
It comes as prison staff have told the BBC they are increasingly having to put inmates in cells that are unsuitable because of the lack of space. They argue there is no choice but to release more prisoners as room is urgently needed.