No. There is more than one way to carry out Restorative Justice.

Many people choose to take part in Restorative Justice face-to-face because they are able to have a conversation in real-time, asking questions and getting a response straight away. This is called direct Restorative Justice.

Some people don’t want to have a face-to-face Restorative Justice conference because they might feel afraid, the offender is in prison in a town far away, or they simply don’t feel it’s necessary. This is when we would use indirect Restorative Justice methods.

Restorative Justice that doesn’t happen face-to-face is called indirect Restorative Justice. There are lots of indirect Restorative Justice options, including letter writing, video calls, phone calls, video recordings, and audio recordings.

We have seen great success with all of these indirect methods and each has its own merits. For example, some people prefer video calls because they can exit the meeting in just one click if they begin to feel uncomfortable.

Similarly, someone might prefer to write a letter because they feel that they can express themselves better that way. In cases where the victim or the offender has problems with literacy, they might prefer to do an audio recording. Everyone is different and there are options to suit everyone.

All Restorative Justice conferences, whether they’re direct or indirect, are thoroughly prepared for in advance. Our RJ Facilitators will meet with the victim and the offender ahead of time to talk about the offense, what they want from Restorative Justice, any fears they might have, what expectations they have, and how the meeting can be made as comfortable and productive as possible.

Click here to find out more about Restorative Justice.

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What people say about Restorative Solutions

I'm so glad I am working with Restorative Justice. I don't know who would listen to me if it wasn’t for you.
A Person Harmed by Crime
Restorative Justice is very underrated and I certainly think we should be using it more.
A Professional who Referred Someone into our Service
Very satisfied – it’s been a great service. A worthwhile process for me and I hope for the offenders. Staff have been great and I would like to thank them.
A victim
It was the right thing to do. Both victims told me to let go of what happened. I didn't want to hear it but they both forgave me and said I should move on. I have taken that on and thought about it and I have come to terms with what happened. You've helped me significantly. It's as though my head has been lifted of a gigantic weight.
An Offender
Thanks for your time today. I feel like you understand R so well, I really hope you can help him to learn how to be happy.
Feedback from a family in East Kent
Restorative Justice offers a unique opportunity for victims and survivors to move on from and overcome the trauma that can be left with them after experiencing crime. I am exceedingly proud of the work that the team at Restorative Solutions do in supporting our community. We should always consider the needs of victims of crime and this service exemplifies that sentiment and allows so many to put behind them what can be the worst experience of their lives.
Marc Jones, Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.

Case Studies

A Creeper Burglary: Restorative Justice Case Study

This was a case of an overnight “creeper” burglary in a residential area where the harmer had gained access through an u...

A Non-Recent Child Sexual Abuse: Restorative Justice Case Study

The victim in this non-recent child sexual abuse case was a 56-year-old woman called Lisa. Her father sexually abused he...

A Robbery: Restorative Justice Case Study

This Restorative Justice case saw Jamie and Ruth openly communicate in a face-to-face conference. Years before, Jamie at...

A Manslaughter: Restorative Justice Case Study

We received a referral from a Victim Liaison Officer who was working on a manslaughter case. The grandmother advised the...

A Workplace Assault: Restorative Justice Case Study

Nick worked at a clothing shop. When he noticed Glenn, a customer, shoplifting, Nick stepped in to challenge him. The po...

An Attempted Burglary: Restorative Justice Case Study

When Joanne and her husband had just gone to bed, they heard a really loud bang downstairs. They immediately thought som...

Death by Drug Overdose: A Restorative Justice Case Study

A young woman passed away after she was supplied Class A drugs. The person who supplied these drugs was convicted and se...

Firearms Offence: A Restorative Justice Case Study

The offender in this case had been suffering with issues affecting his mental health which he tried to manage with alcoh...

Fraud: A Restorative Justice Case Study

The offender defrauded a woman he was in an intimate relationship with, stealing over £50,000 over a course of months. T...

Harmful Sexual Behaviour: A Restorative Justice Case Study

The offender had sexually abused her young daughter, taking inappropriate photographs that were distributed to a third p...

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Insights, Articles & Advice

Restorative Justice & Harmful Sexual Behaviour: A Commentary

Tony Walker, Director of Practice Delivery, spoke to NOTA News about the use of Restorative Justice following cases of h...

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What are Restorative Justice preparation meetings?

Preparation meetings are an important part of Restorative Justice, when trained facilitators can identify the specifics ...

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