Restorative Justice: Supporting Victims and Reforming Offenders

Atul Sharda presented our perspective at the “Restorative Justice: Supporting Victims and Reforming Offenders” Westminster Briefing conference on 6 July in Manchester. The conference brought together a range of speakers and guests to consider the national landscape for restorative justice and good practice. There was much experience, support and most importantly passion at the conference towards restorative justice and also continuing concerns on:

- how the problem of 'patchy provision' could be overcome

- how every area could have appropriately trained and skilled practitioners

- whether restorative justice is an appropriate intervention for victims of domestic abuse/violence

- how a real victim focused restorative justice service could be developed and effectively delivered

- how information sharing across CJS and support services could be improved

Atul summed up the discussion as being an underlining statement on how we need to be more innovative in engaging more victims and offenders to participate in restorative justice as well as being more open to spreading the restorative way of thinking across all local and national public services. This is where the innovative work that Restorative Solutions is pivotal in bringing new forms of restorative approaches to individuals trying to cope with the emotional impact of conflict and harm in all forms. The highlight of the conference was hearing the letter from a victim of sexual abuse read out by Kate Brooksbank from West Yorkshire and hearing how Jacob Dunne had met with the parents of his victim and how it has changed his life.  

These brought to life the importance of our work.

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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

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