Restorative Justice works and we have many testimonies from people who have been through the process and found it to be very positive. Case studies and quotes from both victims and offenders can be seen below.
No. Restorative Justice can be used for any crime where there is an identifiable victim and offender, as long as both parties agree to take part. Restorative Justice is available for all offences, and at any point after the offender has been sentenced.
If a case goes to court then sentencing is always up to the Judge. Restorative Justice is not an alternative to sentencing, it’s something that is used as well as it, usually after a sentence has been given, so has no impact on sentencing decisions. The Judge is the only person who can decide on the appropriate sentence for the crime that the offender has committed.
Restorative Justice can be done both directly and indirectly. Direct Restorative Justice involves a face-to-face conference. If a victim or offender would prefer not to, or are unable to meet face-to-face, Indirect Restorative Justice can be facilitated through phone calls, video calls, letter writing, emails, or passing on messages through a third party.
Restorative Justice can sometimes involve forgiveness, but it doesn’t have to and it’s not expected to.
For some victims and survivors who engage in Restorative Justice, it is important to them that the offender takes full responsibility and is remorseful. However, there are some victims who engage in Restorative Justice because they just want an opportunity to tell the offender how the crime impacted them, and for the offender to think about the consequences of their actions.
Both victims and offenders can self refer if they are interested in pursuing Restorative Justice. Victim referrals can also come from Victim Support or Victim Liaison Officers, support agencies and GPs. Offender referrals can come from police, probation, or prison officers.
It’s free to take part in Restorative Justice with us.
Absolutely. All Restorative Justice conferences are mediated by trained professionals, known as Restorative Justice Facilitators. Other organisations or individuals involved to best assess risk may also be present throughout the process.
Restorative Justice helps offenders to see the impact of their actions.
It allows offenders the opportunity to apologise and explain.
It gives them the opportunity to make amends where possible.
It helps the offender put the crime behind them.
It reduces reoffending rates by 14%.
Restorative Justice can reduce victim’s symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD after a crime takes place.
It empowers victims and gives them a chance to have their voice heard, taking back control.
It allows them the opportunity to ask any questions they might have about the crime, e.g ‘why me?’, ‘did you target me specifically?’.
It helps the victim put the crime behind them.
Restorative Justice is a completely voluntary process for both victim and offender. You can change your mind at any time throughout the process, either by opting out or opting in.
RJ has to be voluntary for both victims and offenders; if the offender decides they do not want to communicate with you, our team will talk to you about what other support you might want.
John burgled Lucy’s home when she was outside hanging out her washing. When she came inside, she found him standing in her property. She describe...
Read MoreLydia was referred to the Restorative Justice service by her Victim Liaison Officer. She was the victim of a prolonged sexual assault at her home 1...
Read MoreEllis was a long term substance user, who was encouraged by an acquaintance – Mikel - to grab the handbag of a woman they saw in passing. A...
Read MoreJemma was referred to Restorative Solutions by Victim Services in July 2019. She had been the victim of a robbery. The offender – Ale...
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The restorative justice process has made me really think about the consequences of my actions.
John, offender
Restorative Justice has really helped. It has given me closure, and I feel much more positive.
Lucy, burglary victim
Now we can get on with our lives without the burden of what happened grinding us down.
Abuse victim
