What is restorative justice?
Many victims find it difficult to move forward from the harm caused by crime.
Restorative Justice (RJ) is a process that provides a safe space for those affected by crime to communicate with those involved in an offence or incident. It gives victims a voice and holds offenders to account for the harm they have caused, enabling those affected to find a positive way forward.
What are the benefits of restorative justice?
Victim Support’s RJ Service is confidential and separate from any legal proceedings. We recognise that victims of crime have needs beyond those met by traditional criminal justice processes.
If you have been a victim of crime, you may want to understand what happened to you and why:
- To ask any unanswered questions you may have about the offence, that only the offender can answer
- To explain the personal impact of the harm that has been caused, to the person who caused it
If you have committed a crime against another person, you may want to communicate with them, if it would help them to move forward from the harm that has been caused:
- To hear and understand how your actions have personally impacted others
- To accept responsibility for the harm caused by your actions
How we can support you
Participants may not always wish to communicate face to face. Victim Support RJ practitioners will listen to you and support your decision to meet in-person, write or receive a letter or facilitate an exchange of letters, or the RJ practitioners can relay information between participants.
Restorative Justice is voluntary. Both victim and offender must be willing to participate in the process and the offender must accept responsibility for the harm caused. You can withdraw from the process at any time.
You may need some time to explore your thoughts and feelings before deciding to proceed. RJ can be accessed at any time. We will support you through the process at a time that is right for you.
What happens after a referral is made?
1. A case coordinator will make contact with you for an introductory conversation. They will answer any initial questions you may have about RJ.
2. The case coordinator will arrange for you to meet with two RJ practitioners. They will explain the RJ process to you and will listen carefully to you and what you need.
3. The RJ practitioners will guide you through each step of the process, making sure you feel safe and supported.
If you’d like a case coordinator to get in touch with you about engaging a restorative justice process, you can complete our online referral form.
