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 MoreAnn and her son, Nicky, had been enjoying an evening in together. As the evening progressed, an argument started, which then escalated. ...
Watch HereA complaint of historical sexual abuse was reported to the police by two sisters who accused their stepfather of sexually touching them when they w...
Read MoreCaroline’s world was turned upside down when Simon, her partner, was punched in the face and knocked to the ground as he walked home from a night...
Read MoreThe Restorative Justice service received a referral from Sarah, via her Victim Liaison Officer. The offences, which were of a sexual nature, were c...
Read MoreDaniel contacted the Restorative Justice team after he committed a street robbery on Carl. “The p...
Read MoreAnne, 65, contacted the service, as she was interested in Restorative Justice. Her husband, Brian, 63, had been killed in a traffic collision 18 mo...
Read MoreColeen was a West Yorkshire Police Officer who was called to a report of sexual assault. Upon arrival at the address, there were a lot of people, m...
Watch HereOne evening in December 2023, Brad was driving along a motorway when a car indicated to join the carriageway from a slip road, causing him to swerv...
Read MoreThe Restorative Justice service received an enquiry from a Victim Liaison Officer from the National Probation Service detailing that there w...
Watch HereTara was referred to the Restorative Justice team in West Yorkshire. Her brother, Thomas, had been killed three years previously by Oliver, who had...
Read MoreAmiya was allocated as the Case Manager for Warren. Warren had a history of racial and religiously aggravated harassment towards a variety of peopl...
Watch HereLydia 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...
Read MoreA son was displaying an increasing level of verbal and physical abuse within the home. Mum has reached the point that she was scared that she could...
Read More
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
