Prisoners serving sentences of LESS than 4 years are normally automatically released at the half-way point of their sentence. They then have to comply with certain conditions (such as not leaving the country and reporting to their probation officer regularly) up until the three quarter point of the sentence. (There can be additional restrictions, such as not using drugs or alcohol).
Prisoners serving sentence of 4 YEARS AND ABOVE can be considered for release at the half way point of their sentence. If they're not deemed to be suitable for release at that point, they will be held until two thirds of the way through the sentence. (Long-term prisoners can ask for periodic reviews during the intervening period but the gap between 'half way' [2 years] and 'two thirds' [2 years 8 months] isn't long enough for that to be relevant in your partner's case). In either case, they're still subject to restrictions up until the 'three quarter' point.
Some prisoners can be considered for slightly earlier release, under 'tagging' schemes but violent offenders may find it hard to be accepted for such schemes.
If you've only got a low income, you may be eligible for help with the cost of prison visits:
http://www.hmprisonse...intouch/assistscheme/
These people might be able to help you:
http://www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk/
Chris